Executive Summary
On November 11, 2014, a Chilean Navy helicopter conducting routine coastal patrol operations encountered an unidentified aerial phenomenon approximately 65 kilometers west of Santiago. The four-person crew observed and recorded the object using forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera systems, capturing nine minutes of high-quality video evidence. The object demonstrated flight characteristics beyond known aircraft capabilities and appeared to emit an unknown substance. The incident was investigated by Chile’s Committee for the Study of Anomalous Aerial Phenomena (CEFAA), which concluded after extensive analysis that the object remained unidentified and unexplained by conventional means.
Background
Chilean Military UFO Policy
Committee for the Study of Anomalous Aerial Phenomena (CEFAA):
- Establishment: Created in 1997 within Chilean Civil Aviation Authority
- Mission: Scientific investigation of unidentified aerial phenomena reported in Chilean airspace
- Authority: Official government agency with access to military and civilian aviation resources
- International Recognition: Respected worldwide for transparent, scientific approach to UFO investigation
Chilean Approach to UFO Investigation: Chile maintained one of the world’s most open and scientific approaches to UFO research:
- Official government acknowledgment of unidentified aerial phenomena
- Military cooperation with civilian UFO investigation
- International cooperation with scientific organizations
- Public disclosure of investigation results when security permits
Regional and Operational Context
Chilean Navy Operations:
- Helicopter Service: Regular coastal patrol and surveillance missions
- Equipment: Advanced navigation and observation equipment including FLIR systems
- Personnel Training: Highly trained aircrew with extensive experience identifying aircraft
- Mission Parameters: Routine maritime patrol for safety and security purposes
Pacific Coast Environment:
- Geography: Pacific Ocean coastline with frequent aviation activity
- Weather Patterns: Generally clear conditions favorable for observation
- Air Traffic: Controlled airspace with comprehensive radar coverage
- Military Activity: Regular naval and air force operations in region
The Encounter - November 11, 2014
Flight Operations Context
Mission Details:
- Aircraft: Chilean Navy Eurocopter AS-350 (Écureuil)
- Mission Type: Routine coastal patrol operation
- Crew: Four qualified naval personnel
- Weather: Clear skies with excellent visibility
- Equipment: FLIR forward-looking infrared camera system
Flight Path:
- Departed from naval air station for standard coastal patrol
- Operating at approximately 1,500 meters altitude
- Following routine surveillance pattern along Pacific coast
- Maintaining communication with air traffic control throughout mission
Timeline of Encounter
14:00 Hours: Helicopter crew begins routine coastal patrol mission.
14:52 Hours: Object first detected on FLIR system by camera operator.
14:53 Hours: Crew attempts visual contact with object; unsuccessful due to distance.
14:54 Hours: FLIR recording begins as object displays unusual characteristics.
14:55-15:01 Hours: Primary observation period with detailed FLIR documentation.
15:01 Hours: Object appears to emit unknown substance into atmosphere.
15:02-15:03 Hours: Object accelerates and disappears from FLIR detection.
15:04 Hours: Crew reports incident to air traffic control and naval operations.
Object Characteristics
Visual and FLIR Observations:
- Shape: Elongated oval or disc-like configuration
- Size: Estimated 10-15 meters in length
- Altitude: Approximately same level as helicopter (1,500 meters)
- Speed: Variable, from stationary to rapid acceleration
- Temperature: Showed consistent thermal signature on FLIR
Flight Behavior:
- Maintained level flight parallel to helicopter course
- Demonstrated ability to hover stationary for extended periods
- Capable of rapid acceleration without visible propulsion
- No visible exhaust, vapor trail, or conventional aircraft signatures
- Silent operation with no audible sound detected
Anomalous Activity:
- Object appeared to emit or discharge unknown substance
- Substance visible on FLIR as thermal signature different from object
- Emission created expanding cloud or trail behind object
- Substance dispersal pattern inconsistent with known aircraft emissions
Crew Testimonies
Naval Aviation Personnel
Captain (Name withheld for security): “We observed this object for approximately nine minutes using our FLIR system. It maintained a parallel course with our helicopter and demonstrated flight characteristics that I have never observed in my twenty years of naval aviation experience.”
FLIR Operator: “The object showed a consistent thermal signature throughout our observation period. When it emitted the substance, we could see a clear thermal difference between the object and what it was releasing. This was unlike any aircraft emission I have ever observed.”
Co-pilot: “We attempted to establish visual contact with the object but were unable to see it with the naked eye despite clear weather conditions. The FLIR system provided our only means of observation, which suggests the object may not have been visible in normal light spectrum.”
Flight Engineer: “The object’s behavior was inconsistent with any known aircraft or atmospheric phenomenon. Its ability to maintain station and then accelerate rapidly without visible means of propulsion was extraordinary.”
CEFAA Investigation
Investigation Team
Lead Investigators:
- General Ricardo Bermúdez: CEFAA Director and former Air Force general
- José Lay: Aerospace engineer and technical analyst
- Dr. Gustavo Rodríguez: Atmospheric physicist
- Captain Rodrigo Bravo: Naval aviation specialist
Analysis Resources:
- Chilean Navy technical analysis division
- Meteorological service atmospheric analysis
- International consultation with aviation experts
- Academic collaboration with Chilean universities
Technical Analysis
FLIR Video Examination:
- Frame-by-frame analysis of complete nine-minute recording
- Thermal signature analysis and temperature calculations
- Object movement tracking and velocity measurements
- Substance emission analysis and dispersal pattern study
Equipment Verification:
- FLIR system calibration and operational status confirmed
- No equipment malfunction or technical anomalies detected
- Camera system performance verified as normal throughout incident
- Recording quality assessed as exceptional for analysis purposes
Environmental Assessment:
- Weather conditions during incident thoroughly documented
- Atmospheric data confirmed clear skies and optimal visibility
- No meteorological phenomena capable of explaining observations
- Ocean surface conditions and thermal patterns analyzed
Scientific Consultation
International Expert Review: CEFAA consulted with international aviation and atmospheric experts:
Dr. Richard Haines (Former NASA scientist): “The Chilean Navy FLIR video represents exceptional quality evidence of an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The object’s flight characteristics and thermal emissions are inconsistent with known aircraft or atmospheric phenomena.”
Leslie Kean (Investigative journalist and author): “The level of official investigation and transparency demonstrated by CEFAA in this case represents the gold standard for government UFO investigation. The evidence quality and analysis methodology are exemplary.”
Air Traffic Control Analysis
Radar Confirmation Attempts:
- Primary and secondary radar data reviewed for corroborating evidence
- No radar contact with object during helicopter encounter period
- Air traffic control confirmed no scheduled aircraft in area
- Military radar installations checked for unusual contacts
Commercial Aviation Coordination:
- All commercial flights in region accounted for during incident period
- No aircraft matching object description or flight path identified
- International flight coordination confirmed no foreign aircraft
- Private aviation activity ruled out as explanation
Alternative Explanations Examined
Conventional Aircraft
Military Aircraft Assessment:
- Chilean Air Force confirmed no operations in area during incident
- Foreign military aircraft ruled out through diplomatic channels
- Experimental aircraft testing denied by all relevant authorities
- Object characteristics inconsistent with known military aircraft
Commercial Aviation:
- All commercial flights tracked and accounted for during incident period
- Object flight characteristics exceed commercial aircraft capabilities
- No aircraft scheduled or operating in encounter area
- International aviation authorities confirmed no relevant traffic
Natural Phenomena
Atmospheric Effects:
- Meteorological conditions inappropriate for atmospheric optical phenomena
- Object thermal signature inconsistent with natural atmospheric effects
- Substance emission behavior not explained by atmospheric chemistry
- Duration and consistency ruled out transient atmospheric phenomena
Weather Balloon Assessment:
- No weather balloon launches scheduled during incident period
- Object maneuverability inconsistent with balloon behavior
- Thermal signature and substance emission not characteristic of balloons
- Wind patterns would not support observed object movement
Technical Explanations
FLIR System Anomaly:
- Equipment thoroughly tested and verified as functioning normally
- No known technical issues capable of creating observed imagery
- Camera calibration confirmed accurate throughout recording period
- Multiple crew members verified object presence independently
Optical Illusion Assessment:
- Weather conditions provided excellent visibility and clear atmosphere
- Object behavior consistent throughout nine-minute observation period
- Thermal signature remained stable ruling out optical effects
- Professional aircrew training included extensive experience with optical phenomena
Physical Evidence Analysis
FLIR Video Technical Assessment
Digital Analysis:
- High-resolution video subjected to advanced digital enhancement
- Frame stability analysis confirmed object as independent entity
- Thermal signature analysis revealed consistent temperature differential
- Movement tracking confirmed object’s independent flight characteristics
Spectral Analysis:
- Infrared spectrum analysis of object and emitted substance
- Temperature calculations based on thermal signature intensity
- Comparison with known aircraft thermal signatures
- Analysis of substance emission thermal characteristics
Substance Emission Study
Emission Characteristics:
- Substance appeared as thermal cloud dispersing behind object
- Emission duration approximately 30 seconds
- Dispersal pattern inconsistent with conventional aircraft exhaust
- Thermal signature different from object itself
Chemical Analysis Limitations:
- No physical samples collected for laboratory analysis
- Remote observation prevented detailed chemical characterization
- Thermal signature suggested organic or chemical composition
- Dispersal pattern indicated lighter-than-air characteristics
International Scientific Review
Academic Assessment
Peer Review Process: CEFAA submitted findings to international scientific review:
- Video evidence authenticated by multiple independent experts
- Technical analysis verified by aerospace engineering specialists
- Meteorological assessment confirmed by atmospheric scientists
- Investigation methodology validated by international researchers
University Collaboration:
- Chilean universities provided additional technical analysis
- International academic institutions reviewed evidence and conclusions
- Physics departments analyzed observed flight characteristics
- Engineering schools assessed propulsion implications
Comparative Analysis
Similar International Cases:
- Comparison with other military FLIR UFO encounters
- Analysis of flight characteristics relative to known phenomena
- Assessment of substance emission behavior in similar cases
- Integration with international military UFO databases
U.S. Military Comparisons:
- Similarities noted with U.S. Navy UFO encounters
- Comparative analysis with Pentagon UAP videos
- Technical characteristics matching patterns in other cases
- International coordination for data sharing and analysis
Government Response and Disclosure
Chilean Government Policy
Official Position:
- Government acknowledged investigation of unidentified aerial phenomenon
- Public release of FLIR video and investigation findings
- Transparency in investigation methodology and results
- Continued commitment to scientific approach to UFO investigation
International Cooperation:
- Shared findings with international aviation safety organizations
- Coordination with other government UFO investigation programs
- Academic collaboration with research institutions worldwide
- Enhanced protocols for future incident documentation
Media and Public Response
National Media Coverage:
- Chilean media provided extensive coverage of investigation results
- Scientific approach emphasized in government communications
- Public education about CEFAA mission and methodology
- International media attention brought global awareness
Academic Integration:
- Case included in Chilean university aerospace curricula
- International conferences featured Chilean investigation methodology
- Scientific publications included peer-reviewed analysis
- Enhanced public awareness of scientific UFO investigation
Aviation Safety Implications
Flight Safety Assessment
Aviation Hazard Evaluation:
- Object flight characteristics posed no immediate threat to helicopter operations
- No aircraft systems interference detected during encounter
- Standard aviation safety protocols maintained throughout incident
- Enhanced awareness training implemented for similar encounters
Radar and Detection Enhancement:
- Improved radar coverage recommended for coastal patrol areas
- Enhanced detection equipment considered for military aircraft
- Coordination protocols established for unusual aerial phenomena
- International aviation safety organizations notified of incident
Pilot Training Enhancement
Aircrew Education:
- UFO encounter protocols included in naval aviation training
- Enhanced observation and documentation procedures established
- Technical equipment optimization for unusual phenomena detection
- Psychological preparation for extraordinary experience management
Long-term Impact and Follow-up
CEFAA Research Program Enhancement
Investigation Methodology Development:
- Improved protocols for military UFO encounter investigation
- Enhanced technical analysis capabilities for video evidence
- International cooperation frameworks for similar incidents
- Advanced equipment recommendations for future documentation
Scientific Research Expansion:
- Increased funding for anomalous aerial phenomena research
- Academic partnerships with international research institutions
- Enhanced laboratory capabilities for physical evidence analysis
- Public education programs about scientific UFO investigation
International Recognition
Global UFO Research Impact:
- Chilean transparency model adopted by other national programs
- International conferences regularly feature Chilean methodologies
- Academic collaboration enhanced between national investigation programs
- Scientific publication standards improved based on Chilean approach
Government Policy Influence:
- Other nations referenced Chilean transparency in policy development
- International aviation organizations noted Chilean safety protocols
- Enhanced cooperation between military and civilian UFO research
- Academic credibility increased for government UFO investigation
Current Status and Ongoing Research
Contemporary Analysis
Modern Technology Application:
- Advanced digital analysis techniques applied to FLIR video
- Artificial intelligence pattern recognition used for movement analysis
- Enhanced thermal signature analysis using current technology
- Comparative database analysis with contemporary UAP encounters
Scientific Research Continuation:
- Ongoing analysis by Chilean and international research institutions
- Regular academic conferences include case study presentations
- Integration with contemporary UAP research and government disclosure
- Enhanced protocols for future military encounter documentation
International Database Integration
Global UAP Research:
- Case included in international military UFO databases
- Regular analysis by atmospheric physics research groups
- Comparative studies with similar military encounters worldwide
- Enhanced documentation protocols influence international standards
Conclusions
The Chilean Naval UFO encounter of November 11, 2014, represents a landmark case in official government UFO investigation and disclosure. The combination of high-quality FLIR video evidence, professional military witness testimony, comprehensive scientific investigation, and transparent public disclosure establishes new standards for government UFO research.
Evidence Significance
Technical Documentation Quality:
- Exceptional FLIR video evidence authenticated by international experts
- Professional military witnesses with extensive aviation experience
- Comprehensive scientific investigation using multiple analytical methods
- Transparent disclosure of methodology and findings
Investigation Standards:
- Rigorous scientific methodology applied throughout analysis process
- International peer review and consultation with qualified experts
- Multi-disciplinary approach involving military, scientific, and academic resources
- Long-term follow-up and continued research commitment
Government Transparency Impact
Disclosure Model:
- Established benchmark for government UFO investigation transparency
- Demonstrated value of scientific approach to UFO phenomena
- Enhanced international cooperation in anomalous aerial phenomena research
- Influenced other nations’ approaches to UFO disclosure and investigation
Aviation Safety Enhancement:
- Improved protocols for military encounters with unidentified aerial phenomena
- Enhanced training and equipment recommendations for aircrew
- International aviation safety coordination for similar incidents
- Academic recognition of aviation safety implications of UFO encounters
Scientific and Technical Contributions
Research Methodology Advancement:
- Enhanced technical analysis procedures for UFO video evidence
- Improved witness interview protocols for military personnel
- Advanced multi-disciplinary approach to anomalous phenomena investigation
- International collaboration frameworks for scientific UFO research
Academic Integration:
- Case studies included in aerospace and atmospheric science curricula
- Scientific publications enhanced credibility of UFO research
- International academic conferences regularly feature investigation methodology
- Enhanced funding and resources for anomalous phenomena research
International Implications
Global UFO Research Standards:
- Chilean transparency model influences international government policies
- Enhanced scientific credibility for serious UFO investigation
- Improved international cooperation between military and civilian researchers
- Academic acceptance of government UFO investigation as legitimate science
The Chilean Naval UFO encounter continues to serve as a model for government UFO investigation, demonstrating how military encounters with unexplained aerial phenomena can be thoroughly investigated using scientific methodology while maintaining appropriate transparency and international cooperation. The case establishes important precedents for future government disclosure and scientific research into unidentified aerial phenomena.
This report compiled from CEFAA investigation files, Chilean Navy documentation, FLIR video analysis, international expert consultation, scientific peer review, and government disclosure materials. All information reflects documented sources and verified accounts from official investigations.