The Minot AFB UFO

On October 24, 1968, a UFO was tracked by radar, observed visually from both air and ground, and affected the communications of a B-52 bomber near Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. The case involved nuclear missile facilities and extensive documentation.

The Location

Minot AFB:

• North Dakota
• Strategic Air Command
• B-52 base
• Nuclear missiles
• High security

The Night

October 24, 1968:

• Around 3:00 AM
• Clear conditions
• Multiple witnesses
• Air and ground
• Extended event

Ground Sightings

Missile site personnel:

• Reported bright object
• Over facilities
• Near Oscar Flight
• Multiple witnesses
• Called it in

B-52 Involvement

On routine mission:

• Crew saw object
• Radar tracked it
• Communications affected
• Close approach
• Detailed observation

Radar Contact

B-52 radar:

• Tracked object
• Clear return
• Moving with aircraft
• Then approaching
• Confirmed contact

The Close Approach

Object came:

• Within one mile
• Of the bomber
• Crew saw it
• Bright, disc-shaped
• Below aircraft

Communications Failure

During approach:

• UHF radio failed
• Static interference
• Classic UFO effect
• Documented
• Multiple systems

Ground Visual

Base personnel:

• Also observed
• Same object
• Coordinated observation
• Air and ground
• Multiple angles

Official Documentation

Blue Book files show:

• Extensive reports
• Multiple witnesses
• Radar data
• Communication logs
• Detailed record

The Report

File includes:

• Crew statements
• Ground reports
• Radar records
• Investigation notes
• Substantial evidence

Blue Book Conclusion

Official explanation:

• Plasma/ball lightning
• Stars
• Inadequate
• Doesn’t fit evidence
• Typical dismissal

Nuclear Connection

Important context:

• Near missile sites
• Nuclear weapons
• Pattern of UFOs
• At nuclear facilities
• Security concern

Crew Testimony

B-52 crew:

• Maintained accounts
• Detailed descriptions
• Professional observers
• Never wavered
• Credible witnesses

The Radar Evidence

Significant because:

• Multiple radar sources
• Ground and air
• Tracked same object
• Corroborating data
• Hard evidence

Significance

Minot case significant for:

• Multiple witness categories
• Radar confirmation
• B-52 involvement
• Nuclear facility
• Extensive documentation

Legacy

The Minot AFB case represents a well-documented military UFO encounter at a nuclear facility. The combination of ground observers, B-52 crew, and multiple radar contacts creates a compelling body of evidence.