I've always been fascinated with this case. However some of you are jumping to some pretty astounding conclusions. It has been over 30 years since this event happened. Do we presently have technology that levitates water tower sized objects? I have yet to see anyone explain how a device emitting nuclear aerosol wouldn't harm the operator inside of the craft. Betty wasn't that close to the craft, yet suffered significant radiation poisoning. Wouldn't this intense of exposure be even more inside of the craft? What material is capable of shielding from radiation? Lead. Are we dealing with a lead constructed craft the size of a water tower? What Earthly tech could explain this?

Many of you find comfort in explaining this as secret military testing, but this is one of those rare cases where prosaic explanations sound sillier than the ETH, IMO. Even if this was a secret military testing program which they continue to lie about, are we supposed to overlook their obvious deceit when they obfuscate other stories about ET & UFO's? How do we know when they are lying and when they aren't? If you chose to buy the story that the govt is lying about a secret testing program that nearly destroyed three innocent lives, you better not believe a single word any US official has to say about ANY other sighting.

Originally posted by TheReligiousHoax
...
Do we presently have technology that levitates water tower sized objects? I have yet to see anyone explain how a device emitting nuclear aerosol wouldn't harm the operator inside of the craft. Betty wasn't that close to the craft, yet suffered significant radiation poisoning. Wouldn't this intense of exposure be even more inside of the craft? What material is capable of shielding from radiation? Lead. Are we dealing with a lead constructed craft the size of a water tower? What Earthly tech could explain this?

Thanks for your input! Exactly the same questions I would love to see answered. sir

Here's an interesting point about the Cash-Landrum case that's often overlooked because the term "UFO" carries so much baggage:

"The Cash-Landrum case... Unfortunately for UFO advocates, the ‘UFO’ never demonstrated extraordinary performance capabilities, like suddenly zooming away.”
MUFON Journal Nov. 1998: Perspectives by Richard Hall

Even if the UFO was of terrestrial military origin, it's still a Unidentified Flying Object to us, and the case is worthy of further study. No matter the final answer, there is much to be learned here about the way the event was handled by the Military, the Government, UFOlogists and the Media.

Here's another odd bit regarding the investigation:

“When Betty and Vickie contacted their congressmen, their frustration was heightened. all they received in return was a from letter telling them about the now defunct Air Force [Project Blue Book] ... and a suggestion they contact a cult group in California.”

John Schuessler, from the 1981 CUFOS Conference,
The Spectrum of UFO Research, 1988

The Blue Book info, although lame, is understandable, but a cult group?
But, maybe that characterization is just hyperbole. Any ideas who this might have been? It sounds like it refers to Borderland Sciences Research.

Originally posted by CardDown
Here's another odd bit regarding the investigation:

“When Betty and Vickie contacted their congressmen, their frustration was heightened. all they received in return was a from letter telling them about the now defunct Air Force [Project Blue Book] ... and a suggestion they contact a cult group in California.”

John Schuessler, from the 1981 CUFOS Conference,
The Spectrum of UFO Research, 1988

The Blue Book info, although lame, is understandable, but a cult group?
But, maybe that characterization is just hyperbole. Any ideas who this might have been? It sounds like it refers to Borderland Sciences Research.

I always wonder how you can come up with some nice pieces of information, so thanks a lot for that!

Yes, a cult group? That really sounds strange... Maybe just a misleading (dis)info... Why does a cult group (okay, we don't know which cult they are about though..) has any ties with a supposed military project....

I will have a research on BSR!

Maybe it was the government's way of saying "get lost, weirdos".

Originally posted by Mogget
Maybe it was the government's way of saying "get lost, weirdos".

But on the other hand, why should the government care about some unexpected civilians (and furthermore calling them weirdos when the craft "unintentionally" hurt them?)?

Thanks dcmb!

I actually believe more and more that this vehicle indeed was a secret concept and continuation of the NASA project.

I believe Shuessler spoiled the investigation and missed the chance of investigating the heli pilot. They went so far and then quit. It's obvious to anyone that many many chinooks can only come from one place and that place is the military!

Dalbeck your thread was very enjoyable to read when I was lurking a long time.

I have heard the following information:

1.) This was a hydrazine powered troop carrier prototype. Due to the nature of the propulsion system the craft was flown via CCTV as there were no windows. When the CCTV subsequently failed, the helicopter fleet was called in for assistance.

2.) The main diamond part of the craft was actually a hot air balloon design. The propulsion system produced heat to keep the balloon aloft.

After a quick research in a medical data base I came to the conclusion that we might be on to something!

Hydrazine has actually exactly the same effects on a biological entity as the craft's propulsion system had on the witnesses.

I just threw the German text into the google translator for you English speaking guys

The substance can be administered orally, absorbed through inhalation or through the skin. It etches the skin, the eyes and the respiratory tract. At a temperature of already 20 ° C, it leads very fast to a toxic contamination of the air. A contact with the eyes and / or skin can be recognized by a redness, burns and pain. After oral intake, the patient shows vomiting, abdominal cramps, spasms, weakness, confusion, and loss of consciousness to unconsciousness. After an inhalation absorption are nausea, headache, sore throat, a burning sensation, a cough and dyspnea. The symptoms may be delayed. As a result, a worst inhalation toxic pulmonary edema occur. This is with cortisone, in any case, preclinical, medicate. Even after short exposure can the liver, kidneys and the central nervous system could be affected. Exposure above the exposure limit may end fatally. The substance is suspected to cause cancer in humans. To exceed the occupational exposure limit is not detectable by smell.

Also an article suggests Hydrazine is used in most cases by the military (jets, satellites, you name it...).