The Cash-Landrum Incident

On the evening of December 29, 1980, Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and Vickie’s seven-year-old grandson Colby encountered a large, diamond-shaped craft near Huffman, Texas. The encounter left all three with severe physical symptoms resembling radiation exposure, and Betty Cash later sued the U.S. government.

The Encounter

The three were driving home on FM 1485 through a heavily forested area when they observed a bright light ahead. As they approached, they saw a large, diamond-shaped object hovering above the treetops, emitting flames from its underside.

The object was so bright and hot that Betty Cash exited the vehicle to observe it, touching the car’s hood which had become extremely hot. The car’s dashboard was too hot to touch.

The Helicopters

As the object departed, the witnesses counted approximately 23 helicopters—later identified as resembling CH-47 Chinooks—escorting or following the craft. The helicopters created a distinctive sound and visual display as they surrounded the object.

Other area residents independently reported seeing unusual helicopter activity that night.

Physical Symptoms

Within hours, all three witnesses developed severe symptoms:

Betty Cash (worst affected):

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Severe headache
• Neck and back pain
• Blistering burns on face, neck, and scalp
• Hair loss
• Eye damage
• Later developed breast cancer

Vickie Landrum:

• Similar but less severe symptoms
• Eye damage
• Hair loss

Colby Landrum:

• Burns
• Hair loss
• Eye problems

Betty Cash was hospitalized for weeks and required multiple surgeries over the following years.

Investigation

The case attracted significant investigator interest:

• John Schuessler of MUFON conducted extensive research
• Medical records documented the injuries
• Independent witnesses corroborated helicopter activity
• Physical examination of the car found it unremarkable

The Lawsuit

In 1986, Cash and the Landrums sued the U.S. government for $20 million, alleging the craft was an experimental military vehicle and the government was responsible for their injuries.

The lawsuit was dismissed in 1986 after the Air Force, Army, Navy, and NASA all denied having any involvement or knowledge of the craft. Without proof of government involvement, the case was rejected.

Theories

Experimental Craft: The most common explanation is that the witnesses encountered a secret military vehicle. The helicopter escort would support this theory.

Nuclear-Powered Vehicle: The radiation-like symptoms suggest nuclear propulsion or weaponry. Some speculate about experimental craft using nuclear engines.

UFO with Military Response: Some researchers suggest the helicopters were responding to a genuinely unknown craft rather than escorting a government vehicle.

Legacy

The Cash-Landrum incident is notable for:

• Severe, documented physical injuries
• Multiple witnesses
• Corroborating helicopter reports
• Failed legal action against the government

The case suggests that UFO encounters can have serious physical consequences and that government involvement—whether as operator or responder—may be more common than officially acknowledged.

Betty Cash died in 1998, with her supporters attributing her death to long-term effects of the encounter. She maintained her account to the end.