Minot Air Force Base UFO Incident
A B-52 bomber crew tracked a UFO on radar while ground personnel observed it visually. The object reportedly affected the plane's communications and was documented in Project Blue Book files.
The Minot Air Force Base UFO Incident
On October 24, 1968, personnel at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota and the crew of a B-52 bomber had a prolonged encounter with an unidentified flying object. The incident was tracked on radar, observed visually, and documented in the Project Blue Book files.
The Event
That night, multiple witnesses reported lights, a B-52 was dispatched to investigate, the object was tracked on radar, visual contact was made, and the encounter lasted over an hour.
The B-52 Encounter
The bomber crew experienced radar contact with the object, visual sighting of a bright light, UHF radio transmission failure, the object following the aircraft, and approach to within 1-2 miles.
Ground Observations
Base personnel reported bright lights over the missile field, object hovering near the ground with reddish-orange glow, silent movement, and multiple witnesses at different locations.
Radar Evidence
The object was tracked on the B-52’s radar and by ground control radar, moving at various speeds, performing unusual maneuvers, and appearing and disappearing.
Effects on Aircraft
The B-52 experienced communications disruption, radio problems while near the object, systems returning to normal after distance, and crew unable to explain the interference.
Project Blue Book
The Air Force investigated the incident, filed extensive documentation, classified the case, never provided adequate explanation, and attributed to “stars” despite radar evidence.
The Official Report
Blue Book concluded ground sightings were stars, radar returns were “possible plasma,” the explanation contradicted evidence, and witnesses disputed the findings.
Significance
The Minot case is significant for multiple forms of evidence, radar and visual confirmation, effects on aircraft systems, nuclear facility involvement, and extensive documentation.
Legacy
The Minot AFB incident represents one of the best-documented military UFO encounters, combining radar evidence, multiple witnesses, and electromagnetic effects in a case that Project Blue Book struggled to explain.