The Roswell Report: Case Closed

Fig. 18. The balloon
training missions flown from
Holloman AFB, N.M. in May
1959, were made in an open
gondola suspended beneath a
30-foot diameter polyethelyne
balloon. This photo was taken
on May 21, 1959 by Balloon
Branch communications
technician, A2C Ole Jorgeson
just prior to the mishap which
resulted in injuries to two of
the pilots. (photo collection of
Ole Jorgeson)
overturn. 180 The three pilots, Kittinger, Fulgham, and Kaufman, were spilled
from the gondola pinning Fulgham's head between the edge of the gondola and
the ground. 181 The impact shattered his helmet and he sustained a head injury. 182
When the three pilots climbed out from under the gondola, Fulgham noticed that
his "head seemed to be protruding outward from underneath [his] helmet." 183
Kittinger also received an injury, a minor facial laceration. The crew of the
nearby chase helicopter and personnel in the ground tracking vehicles rushed to
the scene. 184 For medical treatment, the pilots were transported by the helicopter
to nearby Walker AFB. 185
When the helicopter landed at Walker AFB, it was met by armed
security personnel who sought to verify the purpose of the unannounced
arrival. 186 The security personnel escorted the balloon pilots to the hospital. 187
The balloon recovery and communications crew, after retrieving the gondola
and balloon, drove to Walker AFB to check on the injured crew and to inform
the Balloon Branch at Holloman AFB of the accident. 188
At the Walker AFB hospital, Fulgham and Kittinger received
treatment for their injuries and neither required admission. Meanwhile, the
Walker AFB security officials continued to escort the unannounced visitors
while verifying their identities. 189 The pilot's identities and purpose for their
visit were confirmed via phone by Colonel Stapp, Aero Medical Laboratory
commander at Wright-Patterson AFB (the pilots and Project ExcELSIOR were
assigned to this organization). 190
Kittinger, the ExcELSIOR project officer, wanted to leave the
hospital as quickly as possible after he and Fulgham received medical
attention. 191 The quick departure was to avoid unwanted scrutiny by Walker
AFB flying safety officials. 192 When released by the flight surgeon, the
three pilots boarded the chase helicopter and returned to Holloman AFB
approximately 100 miles to the west.
107