The Mantell UFO Incident

On January 7, 1948, Captain Thomas Mantell of the Kentucky Air National Guard died while pursuing an unidentified flying object over Franklin, Kentucky. His death was one of the first attributed to a UFO encounter and sparked widespread public interest in the phenomenon.

The Sighting

At approximately 1:45 PM, Kentucky State Police received reports of a large, circular object moving westward over Madisonville. Fort Knox control tower was contacted and personnel there also observed the object.

The object was described as enormous, metallic, and very high. Reports suggested it was “at least 250-300 feet in diameter” and moved slowly.

The Pursuit

Four P-51 Mustang fighters were already airborne and were directed to investigate. Three of the pilots abandoned the chase at around 22,000 feet due to lack of oxygen equipment. Mantell continued climbing.

His last transmission indicated he saw “something metallic and tremendous in size” above him. Shortly after, his aircraft went into a dive and crashed near Franklin, Kentucky. Mantell was killed.

Official Explanation

The Air Force initially attributed the sighting to Venus. Later, they suggested Mantell was chasing a then-secret Skyhook balloon. Critics noted the object was described as metallic and moving in ways inconsistent with balloons.

Assessment

The Mantell incident remains controversial. Whether Mantell died pursuing a balloon, a genuine UFO, or suffered hypoxia-related disorientation, his death brought UFOs into public consciousness and remains a significant case.