On 7 January 1948, at approximately 14:30 in the area of Louisville ( Kentucky ) Many people spot a UFO in color silver , Form conical and large (The witnesses estimate is 100 m). The object is directed towards the south: police Fort Knox notice the Godman Air Base who was on the path that the object was following. The military base has decided to intercept the aircraft and then sent four F.51 who were then returning to base. The patrol was commanded by Captain Mantell , Venticinquenne pilot of World War II, which first came into contact with the visual ' OVNI . It is not very sure what Mantell has informed the control tower but that seems to have said "What seems metallica and frightening "And then" He's taking share. Ascending to 7,000 meters, and if I do not abandon the hunt. "But was not sent anything. It was about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Two of the air search of the troop commander (who had immediately lost sight of ) for some time but without results.
Later scrap equipment Mantell were found scattered on the ground for a radius of several kilometers. The results of the investigations were not made public and family members do not even saw the body of the captain. After three years the U.S. Navy revealed that on that day in that area was perhaps a ball " skyhook "For photographic reconnaissance at high altitude, final and official explanation of the American authorities for the death of captain. Ufologist Many consider this explanation unlikely: how can a skilled pilot Mantell as not to have realized the star chasing a ball, a risky climb without oxygen at an altitude that would certainly miss the meaning?
This case, called If Mantell , Is classified as a "typical case" from Project Blue Book .