Summary
Kentucky Air National Guard pilot Captain Mantell died while pursuing a large metallic object — one of the earliest UAP-related pilot fatalities.
Detail
In January 1948, Kentucky Air National Guard pilot Captain Thomas Mantell was directed to investigate a large metallic object near Fort Knox. Climbing in pursuit without oxygen equipment, he lost consciousness and died when his aircraft crashed. His final radio description called the object "metallic and tremendous in size." Later investigation concluded he was most likely chasing a then-classified high-altitude Skyhook balloon. It was a landmark Project Sign case and among the earliest pilot fatalities tied to pursuing an unidentified object.
