The Coyne Helicopter Incident

On October 18, 1973, an Army Reserve helicopter crew commanded by Captain Lawrence Coyne encountered a UFO near Mansfield, Ohio that appeared to take control of their aircraft, halting a collision-course descent and then pulling the helicopter upward. The case is considered one of the most credible military UFO encounters on record.

The Crew

Captain Lawrence Coyne, an experienced pilot with 19 years of service, commanded a UH-1H helicopter returning to Cleveland from Columbus. His crew included:

• First Lieutenant Arrigo Jezzi (co-pilot)
• Sergeant John Healey (crew chief)
• Specialist Robert Yanacek (medic)

The Encounter

At approximately 11:00 PM, flying at 2,500 feet, crew chief Healey noticed a red light on the eastern horizon. Initially dismissed as a radio tower light, the light began approaching.

As it closed, Yanacek alerted Coyne, who took control and initiated a descent to avoid collision. Despite pushing the collective down for maximum descent, the object continued closing at tremendous speed.

The Object

The crew described a grey, metallic, cigar-shaped craft approximately 60 feet long. It featured:

• A bright red light at the bow
• A white light at the stern
• A green light that swiveled and illuminated the helicopter
• No visible wings, rotors, or propulsion

The object stopped directly above the helicopter, matching their speed and position.

Loss of Control

Despite Coyne’s descent, the altimeter showed the helicopter climbing—from 1,700 feet to 3,800 feet—at approximately 1,000 feet per minute. The collective was still in descent position.

Coyne was not controlling this ascent. The helicopter was being pulled or pushed upward by an unknown force.

The Green Light

The object’s green light swept over the helicopter, bathing the interior in green illumination. The crew reported feeling no heat or sensation, just the eerie light.

After several seconds, the object departed to the west at high speed, and normal control returned to the helicopter.

Radio Failure

During the encounter, both UHF and VHF radios failed. Coyne tried to contact Mansfield tower and Columbus approach without success. After the object departed, radio function returned.

Ground Witnesses

A family driving near Mansfield observed both the helicopter and the object. They corroborated the helicopter’s unusual maneuvers and the bright lights of the UFO.

Investigation

The case was investigated by:

• Army officials
• The Center for UFO Studies
• UFO researcher Jennie Zeidman

All crew members maintained consistent accounts under repeated questioning. The Army could not explain the incident.

Significance

The Coyne incident is considered exceptionally credible due to:

• Four experienced military witnesses
• Detailed, consistent testimony
• Ground witness corroboration
• Documented altitude and control anomalies
• No conventional explanation
• Crew’s professional reputations

Physical Effects

The apparent manipulation of the helicopter’s altitude while controls indicated descent suggests the object could affect other vehicles—either through some force field or direct control of the aircraft’s systems.

Legacy

Captain Coyne testified about the encounter before the United Nations in 1978. He and his crew maintained their accounts throughout their lives.

The case demonstrates that UFOs can directly interfere with military aircraft, taking control in ways the crew cannot override. This has serious implications for aviation safety and national security.