Military / Radar
Mantell Incident
Kentucky Air National Guard pilot Captain Thomas Mantell died when his P-51 crashed while chasing an unidentified object reported over Godman Field.
- Date
- 7 January 1948
- Location
- Godman Field, Kentucky · United States
- Witnesses
- Military, Pilot, Civilian
- Evidence
- Official documents
What was reported
Observers in Kentucky reported a large object in the afternoon sky. Mantell, leading a flight of P-51s, climbed in pursuit beyond the altitude his aircraft was equipped for without oxygen, and his plane later crashed.
Official and public statements
The Air Force initially suggested the planet Venus. Project Blue Book later stated that Mantell was most likely chasing a high-altitude Navy Skyhook balloon and lost consciousness from lack of oxygen.
References
Source: Wikipedia