Background

On June 3, 2018, a post appeared on Facebook that went viral. It was posted by Ashley Choney, the earliest post I could find when this case file was written, and it shows a photograph of a “UFO” or saucer-like craft on the back of a semi, followed by “20 police cars” as indicated by the witness.

The case was investigated by the creator of The Black Vault, John Greenewald, Jr.

Witness Testimony

The original Facebook posting, as published on June 3, 2018:

The Evidence

The only evidence was the photo updated. Here is the highest resolution available:

The Analysis

by John Greenewald, Jr., Founder of The Black Vault / Creator of TBV Investigations

There was something eerily familiar when I saw this photograph making it’s rounds. When I am writing this report, the post has had just about 20,000 shares, more than 7,000 likes and more than 3,000 comments. I recalled seeing a post nearly identical to this a few years back, and dug up a December 2011 video from YouTuber Alex Dieguez in the the same exact location as this new posting — specifically, Ponca City, Oklahoma.

In 2011, when this story and video first circulated, it too went viral. With thousands of shares and likes, it was unknown what was seen that day, but it sparked various news stories and newspaper articles.  That is, until Brooks McKinney, senior manager of public relations at Northrop Grumman, closed the mystery. He told Life’s Little Mysteries, a project by the popular LiveScience.com website, that the craft was a transport of the X-47B. According to Northrop Grumman:

“The X-47B is a tailless, strike fighter-sized unmanned aircraft developed by Northrop Grumman as part of the U.S. Navy’s Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) Carrier Demonstration program. Under a contract awarded in 2007, the company designed, produced and is currently flight testing two X-47B aircraft. In 2013, these aircraft were used to demonstrate the first ever carrier-based launches and recoveries by an autonomous, low-observable relevant unmanned aircraft. In April of 2015, the X-47B once again made aviation history by successfully conducting the first ever Autonomous Aerial Refueling (AAR) of an unmanned aircraft. AAR unlocks the full potential of what an unmanned surveillance, strike and reconnaissance system can do in support of the Navy. These historical demonstrations solidify the concept of future unmanned aircraft and proved that the X-47B can perform standard missions like aerial refueling and operate seamlessly with manned aircraft as part of the Carrier Air Wing.”

The source of this, was published on December 20, 2011, on the LiveScience.com website.

With the 2011 mystery solved, now we have the post again, or a similar one, in 2018.

What is interesting to note, is the fact that the truck transporting the craft, is nearly identical (or IS identical) in both make, model and color as the 2011 video.

I put a side by side comparison:

It is likely, that this is the X-47  being transported again by the same transport company using a nearly identical vehicle. Oddly, it is seen and photographed in the same exact city of Ponca City, Oklahoma.  Northrop does have facilities in Oklahoma City and an address in Ponca City, so the locale in relation to the “sighting” makes sense.

It should also be noted, that on June 3, 2018, the same day as the original post of this “saucer” craft, the following was posted by Trevor Macy, a reporter with KWCH Channel 12 in Witchita, Kansas:

Just spotted this South of Ark City. Any ideas what it is? pic.twitter.com/pH99h6q7tv

— Trevor Macy (@KWCHTrevor) June 3, 2018

Hard to tell if it is the same craft/truck, but again, you have a near identical make, model and color of the transport vehicle.

Others have also referenced an “orb” in the photograph. I believe this can also be explained fairly easily. Here is a screen shot of the orb, along with what should also be noted — power lines.

To the left of the photograph, you will see the “orb” referenced by many others posting and re-posting this photograph. This is touted as further proof this is some kind of alien spacecraft, as it has its own buddy following along.

However, I also pointed out power poles in the photograph. I believe by these, we can safely assume there are power lines running from pole to pole, and going off camera frame.  This ‘sphere’ is not a craft, but rather, is a visibility marker ball. These are often put on power lines to indicate to passing aircraft and helicopters, where the danger is if you fly too low. They mark the power lines not easily visible when flying an aircraft.

Here is a clear photograph of these markers:

Conclusion

Based on the evidence, this is likely simply a transport of the X-47B (or similar shaped craft) as talked about in 2011 by Northrop Grumman’s Public Relations Senior Manager.

This is aside from the fact that if it was anything involving a massive amount of secrecy, like an alien craft or back engineered technology, it would not be transported in the open on public highways in it’s actual form — but rather, it would be disguised, transported under the cover of darkness, or even transported in an open vehicle at all.

The “orb” that is often also cited as being in the photograph, is likely a visibility marking ball.

The post UFO Type Craft Seen Hauled on Large Semi Truck in Ponca City, Oklahoma first appeared on The Black Vault Case Files.

The post UFO Type Craft Seen Hauled on Large Semi Truck in Ponca City, Oklahoma appeared first on The Black Vault Case Files.

Background

The following case was submitted to The Black Vault / TBV Investigation on January 25, 2018, the day after the sighting occurred. The case was assigned to TBV Investigations’ researcher Michael Andrew McLimans for analysis. 

Witness Testimony

“I was on my way to work, I was traveling east on rt 5 just entering Scotia, I saw at least 3 red lights atop one another in the sky, i thought maybe a satellite, but i thought it was too close, I pulled over to try to get it on my cell phone, because it was moving away and dark my phone didn’t really capture the image. I got back in my car and about 20 seconds further down the road I saw something light up in the sky. It looked like a big scoreboard all lit up and moving towards me. I pulled over and started to get a video. The size was big and lights all over, the shape was something I’ve never seen before. It glided right past me!!!! No noise from the craft at all. The design of it has me at a loss for words and I’m anxious to know what the hell was it! No military or airplane that is for sure! I reviewed my video and I believe because of the lights it doesn’t show what I exactly saw but I do have video. I’m trying to draw what I saw. I really need to speak to someone who can help me get a grip on this and go further into detail about this ship that I saw. I know it was below radar because it was that close! When I watch the video I hear strange sounds that I don’t know what made them. The only sound made was a few cars passing by and at time of sighting i did not hear anything at all.”

The Evidence

The Analysis

by Michael Andrew McLimans, TBV Investigations

I spoke with the witness multiple times via phone, text, and email. I’ve analyzed the video at slower speeds and frame by frame. There are 4 objects visible in the video. The moon, an aircraft identifiable by its flashing/blinking navigation/collision lights, a tree in the right side of the video, and what I suspect to be lights from a home, or building in the distance of bottom of video.

This was later confirmed after receiving a daytime photo of the sighting location. The noise in the video not audible to the witness while shooting is most likely interference from the high voltage power lines seen in the daytime photo producing EMFs, Electro-magnetic frequencies.

The object in her sketch doesn’t resemble anything I’m familiar with, nor any typically reported object I’m aware of.

Conclusion

I found the witness to be a very credible witness with knowledge of typical civilian and military aircraft.  When only taking the video into consideration, it is very likely the object is an aircraft, or a drone, as the blinking lights, and the colors of them (seemingly alternating white and red) are indicative of an aircraft or drone.  However, her testimony and firsthand account of the object’s description, coupled with her knowledge about civilian and military aircraft, adds a different element to the case. 

Although her video does not contain evidence of the object she describes or sketches, I believe that she saw something she couldn’t identify.

Therefore, I feel I will label this case unexplained, with the caveat that it does lack sufficient evidence (a stabilized video with more detail) to properly identify the object, or to confirm it is truly an “unknown.” 

The witness stated additional, uncompressed videos, are being sent. To date, they have not been received.

The post UFO over Scotia, New York – January 24, 2018 first appeared on The Black Vault Case Files.

The post UFO over Scotia, New York – January 24, 2018 appeared first on The Black Vault Case Files.

Background

The following case was submitted to The Black Vault / TBV Investigations on April 4, 2018. It was assigned to TBV Investigations’ researcher Michael Glenn for analysis.

Witness Testimony

The following is the original witness testimony submitted to The Black Vault by the witness (unedited):

“I was flying from Finland to Japan (Tokyo) and everybody was sleeping in airplane, lights was off. I took fast picture from airplane window, because of beautiful sunrise. Later I was checking out pictures which I have took and I saw these four blue dots and I don’t have any idea what those are. There wasn’t any lights like this inside of the airplane, so I don’t think those are any reflections from window. To me those “dots” UFO’S(?) looks they are far away, flying near atmosphere.

Maybe you guys can tell me what these are?”

The Evidence

The Analysis

by Michael Glenn, TBV Investigations

The image is taken from inside a lit aircraft, traveling at sunset. There are reflections in the window in the same general area as the objects of interest. After looking over aircraft window schematics, the likely reason for the lights in the sky is a double reflection from the dual pane windows. The lights are likely overhead lights from the airplane interior.

When zooming in the four dots are actually only two, repeated in the second pane of acrylic. The angle is consistent with lights that would be above the witness’ head. 

Conclusion

While other explanations are possible, the reflectivity of the windows is the most likely culprit in this situation.  It is noted that the witness believed no other lights were on in the cabin, but since they did not notice the lights when taking the photograph, they may have just as easily missed reading lights on from across the aisle. It should also be noted, depending on the direction of the camera, the lights in relation to the witness’ seat, etc., the lights could be on in a dark aircraft at a distance not noticeable to the witness, but were reflected in the window and captured on camera.

The following also illustrates where other likely reflection from inside the cabin reside.

The post UFO Seen From Airplane During Flight From Finland to Tokyo, Japan first appeared on The Black Vault Case Files.

The post UFO Seen From Airplane During Flight From Finland to Tokyo, Japan appeared first on The Black Vault Case Files.

Background

The following case was submitted to The Black Vault’s UFO hotline on February 16, 2018. It was assigned to TBV Investigations’ researcher Richard Kidd. 

Witness Testimony

I have seen a few things in my 57 years for sure. The problem with UFOs is your left at your witts end guessing at what you may have looked upon, then of course doubting if you should discuss it with others.

I believe what I saw was USAF experimental some new design concept craft.  What I witnessed the night I called Black Vaults line;

The aircraft was traveling due northbound from my right. I was traveling due east on I-20, approaching Tye TX, (suburb of Abelene, TX) at 68 mph in my rig Dupre Truck 8307, trailer 67018 returning from delivering a load of chemicals to Ace Services in Odessa TX, near Midland TX.

The craft I spotted was at approx 1000-1300 ft. It looked in size that of a Gulfstream 4. Not a big commercial jet or a smaller Learjet. It had three circle lights on its underside, pure white and the normal aircraft blinking beacons. *my reasoning here is alien aircraft would not need these lights for aircraft IDs as human piloted aircraft being our aircraft require them whether civilian or military*.

The aircraft was indistinguishable in shape as it started passing over I-20 but I did not recognize normal shapes such as an aileron, wings, fuselage etc. It traveled due north over I-20, I am guess 1/4 to 1/2 mile in front of me. It went about 1 mile north and turned sharp 90 degrees to the east, the same direction I was traveling. I assumed at that time it was going to land in that area. About two miles east it turn 90 degrees again taking a due south path remaining at the same altitude. I was almost intercepting it at that tine traveling almost underneath it heading east. This was about a half mile before the Tye, TX exit with the Flying J truck stop. As it passed over I got a good visual of its bottom side. It was definitely triangle in shape. Rounded corners at all three points. The white circular lights inside each corner perfectly centered in each corner. Its strobes were still blinking. It had a bit of a soft diffused haze or glow around the craft which could have been attributed to dust or fog at that altitude although it was clear elsewhere overhead. The triangle craft passed over I-20 and continued south I am guesstimating two miles. I had taken the exit ramp at that time to Tye TX. I saw it at that time make a slight flash a disappear as if it launched due south almost faster than your eyes could record.

The color was grey, or possibly a titanium type color but the glow and light from the three circles made it appeared medium to lite grey. It had no visible N-number or aircraft ID markings or insignia on it. I did not see any widows, portals, landing gear, air control surfaces such as wings, ailerons, tail nor did it have a fuselage. It made zero noise, none. And it never banked like an aircraft with wings during its two 90 degree direction changes.

Other facts: I did not see any beams of light shoot down under it or cattle getting sucked up into it. I did not loose time nor did my radio go static or my truck battery dead. I did not disappear and reappear 3500 miles away naked at a convenient store. I just stopped a minute, called your hotline as it appeared first on my smartphone Google and I thought the name Black Vault sounded interesting. I then traveled on to my fuel stop for the night at the next Love’s truck stop.

I am releasing this info to Black Vault as a witness statement of a UFO with my summary opinion that it is a USAF vehicle of experimental type, and as of now may be listed as Classified by DoD status.

You have my legal permission to publish it on Black Vault website for reference to others interested in UFO reports, research and science.

Kenneth D. McLaren II

The Analysis

by Richard Kidd, TBV Investigations

Case Update from Investigator Richard Kidd – Tue, Mar 6 2018 11:38pm

I’ve been in contact with Ken and I’m in the process of locating the local law enforcement agency, because I wanted to check and see if they had any reports in the area that Ken is referring to. And, if so, I would like to find out how many reports were received.

Mr. McLaren Responded on 03/11/2018 2:36 pm

UFOs are a subject that has re-emerged numerous times and the availability of video has proven itself the “seeing is believing” momentum although the ability to forge fakes has also paralled real footage.

There is far more to it than disclosed, but the fact we are still infants to solar exploration and interstellar travel I believe makes us the “hostile ape petting zoo” of the advanced species that have been observing earth since we were primordial soup.

We are severely lacking compared to what we occasionally witness. And EBE are not human, do not think like us or share our limited perspectives.

Good luck investigating. Be careful. More than one government wants the lid sealed tight in UFO s, EBE and their technology.

Case Update from Investigator Richard Kidd – 03/11/2018 3:34 pm

I have been in contact with the Tye, TX. Police Dept. and I’m currently waiting for any reports that were filed regarding any sightings. I am also contacting the Abelene, TX. Police Dept. and the TX. State Police Dept. for any information regarding any sightings from the period of 2/12/18 thru 2/16/18 the reasoning behind contacting the Abelene, Police Dept. is that Tye TX. is a suburb of Abelene and is within the flight path of the craft that Mr. McLaren reported.. Also, by contacting the Texas State Police, any additional sightings would have been reported to them.

I am making certain that I am contacting the Law Enforcement agencies in and around the sighting area as well as the Texas State Police,  in this case and that I will receive sighting confirmation of what Mr. McLaren has reported he witnessed. It is not unusual for there not to be any other witnesses or, other persons to have reported a sighting. 

Case Update from Investigator Richard Kidd – 03/15/2018 2:21pm

Followed up with the Texas State Police and was informed that there have not been any reports of strange aircraft sightings in the area of Tye, Texas or the Abelene, Texas area between the dates of 02/12/2018 and 02/16/2018.

Although there haven’t been any reported sightings by any of the Law Enforcement agencies, doesn’t mean that there were no other sightings in the reported area. This could simply mean that other persons ( if there were any ) did not report what they may have seen. In the case of Ken McLaren’s sighting, nothing can be proven or disproven.

Follow up emails with Mr. McLaren hasn’t yielded any other reports of sightings and TBV Investigations will monitor the reported sighting area for future sightings or events as they transpire.

Conclusion

Mr. McLaren’s sighting off of I-20 on February 15^th 2018 and the description of what he witnessed, had not been reported to any Law Enforcement agency in Texas by any other witness.

After calling the Tye, Texas Police Dept and the State Troopers office in Abelene, they could not verify that anyone else had reported anything unusual in the sky on the evening of the February 15th, 2018.  

With the lack of additional physical or photographic evidence, and the lack of corroborating witness testimony (for now) this case is being labeled Unidentified, Lacks Sufficient Evidence for Proper Identification. 

The post UFO over Tye, Texas – February 15, 2018 first appeared on The Black Vault Case Files.

The post UFO over Tye, Texas – February 15, 2018 appeared first on The Black Vault Case Files.

Background

On December 21, 2017, the witness sent in the following report to The Black Vault / TBV Investigations. It has only been slightly edited for ease of reading, but context did not change:

“I do not remember the date nor the specific time. It was probably in 2012 or 2013 in winter or early spring. I know how that sounds.

I only talked to several people at the time, but I was expecting to hear reports so did not say much.

I never did hear about anyone else seeing what I saw. The reason I am reporting this is to get some answers on what this may have been, or even getting information on anyone seeing something similar.

Last year (Jan. 2016) I did see a picture posted on the internet THIS looks a lot like what I saw (see picture I sent) again this is not a picture I took, BUT the Glowing Engines and spacing of them remind me strongly of what I saw. WHAT I SAW…

I was relaxing in my hot tub in my back yard. It was dark maybe 9 ish Winter or early spring. NO leaves on the trees. I looked up for some reason. There were three soundless craft following each other flying towards the south maybe 500 (approx.) feet overhead.

All I could see were the two glowing orange engines (on each craft) I did not see any “body” of the crafts only the round glowing (what I assume were engines) I truly wish I could give a better estimate of the distance and or size but all I can say is I could distinctly see the roundness… something like you would see of a approaching car with large lights maybe 1/4 mile away, but not as bright as I said “glowing”.

I assumed they were some kind on UAV or small craft, but I did not hear anything nor see anything other that the glowing orange (engines) I was fixated on.

When I first looked up they had passed my location, and I was looking at the back of the last craft. Flight speed was not fast. I watched for what may have been a min or two. as they flew down the valley. I watched till it was just a point source of light, then gone.

One other thing I did notice was that I could see the craft move in relation to the others as you would expect planes to fly …they seemed to bank right and left a small amount and you could see this in relation to the other craft.

I would not be too surprised to find out that it was some kind of experimental craft. But the picture I sent is the only time I have ever heard of this kind of sighting.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give me a call sometime and tell me this has been reported before. I do have to admit that not remembering the specifics (time/date) is strange…but that is the only thing I am not sure about. Thanks”

The case was assigned to James Clarkson of TBV Investigations for analysis.

The Analysis

by James Clarkson, TBV Investigations

The reported observation of possible UFOs has no definite date: Single event on a night in winter or spring of 2012 to 2013 over the town of Tonasket, WA. This is a small town of slightly over 1,000 population in a remote are Okanogan County in Washington State, on Highway 97 just south of the Canadian border. 

There were three unidentified aircraft that appeared to be in formation. The witness observed them flying away from him. He believed he was looking at the engines of the craft from the rear. He observed three pairs of round, circular glowing lights that were flying in formation at a distance.

The objects flew in one direction at a constant speed.

On 01/07/2018 I called the witness and left a message on his voicemail requesting contact about his report to The Black Vault. At about 1230 hours on the same date he called back, and we discussed his sighting for about 30 minutes.

The witness confirmed that he does not remember the precise date of the event, other than stating that it occurred one night in winter or spring of 2012 or 2013 at about 2100 – 2200 hours. No written notes were made, and no photographs were obtained.

We discussed the photo he submitted. He admitted that he does not know that the aircraft he observed had the same shape as shown in the photo, only that the two side-by-side blobs of light were of similar appearance to what he observed.  There was no sound, but he admits that he really doesn’t know the altitude of these aircraft. 

Further, the three pairs of exhaust lights he observed rolled slightly left and right like they were course-correcting. The aircraft flew on a straight course. He is not certain of the distance. He estimated ¼ mile away in the report. He said ½ mile during our discussion. He admits he is not certain of the distance.  He raised the possibility that they were some type of drone aircraft.

The Conclusion

There is not enough information available to make positive determination of what the witness observed. However, it very likely the origin of these lights is man-made craft using jet engines.

No further information related to this event is likely to become available.

The post UFO Flying Down a Valley in Tonasket, Washington, circa 2012/2013 first appeared on The Black Vault Case Files.

The post UFO Flying Down a Valley in Tonasket, Washington, circa 2012/2013 appeared first on The Black Vault Case Files.