DEEP DIVE: Coyne Helicopter UFO Incident (1973)

The Most Documented Military Helicopter UFO Encounter

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On October 11, 1973, an Army Reserve UH-1H helicopter crew commanded by Captain Lawrence J. Coyne experienced a near-collision with an unidentified aerial object while flying over Ohio. The incident involved multiple military personnel as witnesses, instrument malfunctions, apparent control of the helicopter by the unknown object, and observation by ground witnesses. The case is distinguished by the quality of witnesses, the physical effects on the aircraft, the detailed documentation, and the involvement of experienced military aviators.

Key Elements:

Four experienced military aircrew as primary witnesses
Physical control of helicopter by unknown object
Instrument malfunctions during encounter
Ground witness confirmation from multiple locations
Official military investigation with detailed documentation
Green light beam affecting helicopter controls
Impossible flight characteristics displayed by UFO

Unique Significance: This case represents the most thoroughly documented military helicopter encounter with a UFO, involving instrument effects, apparent external control of the aircraft, and multiple independent witness confirmation.

AIRCRAFT AND CREW DETAILS

Aircraft Specifications

Aircraft Type: Bell UH-1H Iroquois (Huey)
Tail Number: 68-16274
Unit: 316th Medical Detachment, U.S. Army Reserve
Home Base: Cleveland Hopkins Airport, Ohio
Mission: Night training flight
Flight Date: October 11, 1973
Departure: Columbus, Ohio
Destination: Cleveland Hopkins Airport
Flight Time: Approximately 2.5 hours into 3-hour flight

Crew Profiles

Captain Lawrence J. Coyne (Age 36) - Aircraft Commander

Total Flight Hours: 2,800+ military flight hours
Helicopter Experience: 1,600+ hours in UH-1 aircraft
Military Background: 19 years U.S. Army service
Combat Experience: Vietnam War veteran (two tours)
Training: Flight instructor, instrument flight qualified
Reputation: Exemplary safety record, highly regarded officer

Staff Sergeant John Healey (Age 35) - Flight Medic

Military Experience: 14 years Army service
Medical Training: Combat medic, helicopter medical specialist
Flight Experience: 500+ hours as crew member
Role: Medical equipment operator, observer
Credibility: No prior UFO interests or claims

Specialist E5 Robert Yanacsek (Age 23) - Crew Chief

Technical Training: UH-1 helicopter systems specialist
Flight Experience: 300+ hours as crew chief
Responsibilities: Aircraft systems monitoring, maintenance
Background: Recent technical school graduate
Character: Described as reliable and detail-oriented

Specialist E5 Glenn Coyne (Age 20) - Copilot (No relation to captain)

Training: Recent helicopter pilot training graduate
Flight Experience: 150+ hours total time
Role: Right seat pilot, navigation, communications
Status: Building experience under supervision
Background: No previous unusual incidents

TIMELINE OF ENCOUNTER

October 11, 1973 - 23:05 Hours EST - Pre-Encounter Flight

Flight Conditions:

Weather: Clear night, excellent visibility
Altitude: 2,500 feet above sea level
Speed: 90 knots indicated airspeed
Course: 030 degrees (northeast toward Cleveland)
Location: Approximately 10 miles southeast of Mansfield, Ohio

Normal Operations:

Routine night training flight
All aircraft systems functioning normally
Regular radio contact with air traffic control
No mechanical issues or concerns

23:05 Hours - Initial UFO Sighting

First Detection:

Sergeant Healey first observes red light to the east
Light appears to be on collision course with helicopter
Healey alerts Captain Coyne to potential traffic
Initial assumption: conventional aircraft

Object Characteristics (Initial):

Bright red light moving from east to west
Appears to be approaching at high speed
No navigation lights visible
No radio communications detected

23:06 Hours - Collision Course Confirmed

Evasive Action Initiated:

Captain Coyne takes aircraft controls
Initiates descent to avoid collision
Collective lowered, descending at 500 feet per minute
Airspeed maintained at 90 knots

Object Behavior:

UFO maintains collision course despite helicopter descent
Speed appears to be extremely high
No deviation from approach vector
Crew prepares for impact

23:07 Hours - Close Encounter Begins

Object Arrival:

UFO stops directly over helicopter
Estimated distance: 500-1,000 feet above aircraft
Object size estimated at 50-60 feet in length
Structured appearance becomes visible

Detailed Object Description:

Shape: Cigar or torpedo-shaped
Length: 50-60 feet
Width: 15-20 feet
Color: Metallic gray appearance
Lights: Bright white light forward, red light aft, green light beam from bottom

23:08 Hours - Green Light Beam Emission

Light Beam Characteristics:

Intense green light beam projected downward from object
Beam encompasses entire helicopter
Light fills cockpit through all windows
Beam described as “solid” or “tunnel-like”

Immediate Effects:

Helicopter begins climbing without pilot input
Collective control appears to be externally influenced
Rate of climb: 1,000 feet per minute
Airspeed changes without pilot control

23:09 Hours - Instrument Malfunctions

Navigation Equipment:

Magnetic compass begins spinning wildly
Compass rotates through complete 360-degree cycles
VHF radio equipment fails
ADF (Automatic Direction Finder) malfunctions

Flight Controls:

Collective control movement feels restricted
Cyclic control responds to pilot input
Engine power appears to be externally maintained
Climb rate exceeds normal helicopter capability

23:10 Hours - Peak Encounter

Maximum Effects:

Helicopter reaches 3,500 feet altitude (1,000-foot climb)
Crew unable to stop climb through normal controls
Green light beam continues to illuminate aircraft
Object maintains position directly overhead

Crew Responses:

Captain Coyne attempts radio contact with object
No response received on any frequency
Crew observes object details through green light
All crew members confirm visual contact

23:12 Hours - Object Departure

Departure Sequence:

Green light beam suddenly extinguished
Object accelerates rapidly to the west
Speed estimated at several thousand miles per hour
Disappears from view within seconds

Aircraft Recovery:

Helicopter controls return to normal operation
Compass stops spinning, returns to normal function
Radio equipment resumes normal operation
Captain regains full control of aircraft

23:15 Hours - Post-Encounter Assessment

Crew Discussion:

All four crew members confirm encounter details
Decision made to continue flight to Cleveland
Agreement to report incident through military channels
Initial concern about credibility of report

Aircraft Status:

All systems functioning normally
No apparent damage to aircraft
Fuel consumption normal
No maintenance issues detected

GROUND WITNESS CONFIRMATION

Mansfield Area Witnesses

Mrs. Erma Crose and Family:

Location: Rural home 4 miles west of Mansfield
Observation: Large illuminated object passing overhead
Time Correlation: Matches helicopter encounter timeline
Description: Object with helicopter visible beneath green light

Additional Ground Witnesses:

Charles and Tina Rak - Observed from different location
Multiple rural residents - Reported unusual lights
Amateur radio operators - Noted communication disruptions

Lawrence County Witnesses

Jeanne Elias and Four Children:

Location: 30 miles southeast of encounter area
Observation: Helicopter and large object in green light beam
Duration: Several minutes of observation
Detail: Could see helicopter structure within light beam

Ray Boucher:

Location: Near Mount Gilead, Ohio
Observation: Large object with smaller aircraft
Description: Green light connecting two objects
Timing: Correlates with military encounter

Witness Characteristics

Independent Confirmation:

Multiple witness locations across 30-mile area
No coordination between witness groups
Consistent timeline and description elements
Various backgrounds and ages of witnesses

Description Consistency:

Large object with smaller aircraft beneath
Green light beam connecting objects
Silent or low-noise operation
Rapid departure to the west

PHYSICAL EFFECTS ON AIRCRAFT

Instrument Anomalies

Magnetic Compass:

Complete failure during encounter
Continuous 360-degree rotation
Returned to normal function after object departure
No mechanical defects found in post-flight inspection

Radio Equipment:

VHF communications equipment failure
ADF navigation system malfunction
Equipment returned to normal operation post-encounter
No damage found during maintenance inspection

Flight Control Effects

Unusual Climb Performance:

Helicopter climbed 1,000 feet without pilot input
Climb rate exceeded normal UH-1H capability
Collective control position did not match power setting
Engine performance appeared to be externally enhanced

Control System Behavior:

Collective movements felt constrained during encounter
Cyclic control remained responsive to pilot input
Pedal controls functioned normally throughout
Full control authority returned after object departure

Performance Analysis

Technical Assessment:

Climb rate of 1,000 fpm exceeds normal UH-1H maximum
Engine power required for climb not reflected in instruments
Weight and balance calculations confirm impossible performance
No mechanical explanation for observed flight characteristics

MILITARY INVESTIGATION

Initial Reporting

Chain of Command Notification:

Captain Coyne reports to unit commander immediately
316th Medical Detachment notified
Army Aviation authorities contacted
Formal written report submitted within 24 hours

Documentation Requirements:

DA Form 1-R (Aircraft Accident/Incident Report)
Individual crew member statements
Aircraft maintenance inspection report
Flight records and navigation logs

U.S. Army Investigation

Investigation Team:

Major Hector Quintanilla - Project Blue Book representative
Army Aviation Safety Officers
Technical specialists from Wright-Patterson AFB

Investigation Scope:

Crew member interviews (individual and group)
Aircraft technical inspection
Weather data analysis
Air traffic control coordination review
Ground witness interviews

Air Force Involvement

Project Blue Book Assessment:

Case assigned Blue Book number 13047
Classified as “Unidentified”
No conventional explanation determined
Investigation closed without resolution

Technical Analysis:

Aircraft performance data review
Instrument malfunction analysis
Electromagnetic effects assessment
Atmospheric conditions evaluation

Official Findings

Army Conclusion:

Incident confirmed as genuine
No evidence of crew error or hallucination
No mechanical malfunction found
No conventional aircraft identification possible

Classification:

Official status: “Unidentified Flying Object”
No security classification imposed
Report released to UFO researchers
Crew members authorized to discuss publicly

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

Electromagnetic Effects

Equipment Malfunctions:

Compass anomaly suggests strong magnetic field
Radio interference indicates electromagnetic disturbance
Pattern consistent with powerful EMF source
Effects localized to encounter duration

Analysis by Experts:

Dr. J. Allen Hynek - Center for UFO Studies investigation
Dr. Jennie Zeidman - Detailed case analysis
International UFO research organizations

Flight Dynamics Assessment

Performance Analysis:

Helicopter climb rate exceeded design limitations
Power setting inconsistent with performance
External force required to explain flight characteristics
No known technology capable of described effects

Aerodynamic Considerations:

Green light beam possibly related to propulsion
Tractor beam concept considered by researchers
Electromagnetic levitation theories proposed
No conventional explanation for observed lift

Atmospheric Studies

Weather Analysis:

Clear atmospheric conditions confirmed
No temperature inversions present
No atmospheric phenomena capable of explaining encounter
Excellent visibility throughout incident

Environmental Factors:

No aircraft traffic in immediate area
Military operations checked and ruled out
Balloon activity eliminated as possibility
No conventional explanation identified

MEDIA COVERAGE AND PUBLIC RESPONSE

Initial Media Attention

Local Coverage:

Mansfield News Journal (first newspaper coverage)
Columbus Dispatch coverage
Cleveland Plain Dealer investigation
Local television news reports

National Coverage:

Associated Press wire service story
Aviation Week & Space Technology article
UFO research publications
Network television coverage

Crew Member Interviews

Captain Coyne Public Statements:

Detailed interviews with researchers
Television appearances on UFO programs
Consistent account in all interviews
Maintained professional demeanor throughout

Crew Support:

All crew members supported Captain Coyne’s account
Individual interviews confirmed details
No disagreement among crew members
Mutual support for public disclosure

Scientific Community Response

Academic Interest:

Case study in anomalous aerospace encounters
Analysis by atmospheric physics researchers
Psychological studies of crew reliability
Technical assessment by aviation experts

UFO Research Impact:

Considered landmark case in UFO research
High credibility due to military witnesses
Extensive documentation available
Model for military UFO investigation

LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP

Crew Member Careers

Captain Lawrence J. Coyne:

Continued military service until retirement
Promoted to Major
Maintained account throughout career
No adverse impact on military advancement

Other Crew Members:

Continued normal military and civilian careers
No disciplinary action or career impact
Remained available for researcher interviews
Consistent testimony over decades

Ongoing Research

Dr. J. Allen Hynek Investigation:

Detailed scientific analysis conducted
Crew reliability assessment
Technical aspects investigation
Published findings in academic literature

Center for UFO Studies:

Case included in major UFO database
Continued analysis and documentation
International research collaboration
Educational case study development

Government Follow-up

Military Position:

No change to official findings
Case remains classified as “unidentified”
No additional investigation conducted
Files available to researchers

FAA Coordination:

Air traffic control records reviewed
No radar contact with unknown object
No flight plan filed for observed object
No conventional aircraft identified

ALTERNATIVE EXPLANATIONS ANALYSIS

Conventional Aircraft Theory

Military Aircraft:

All military operations in area checked
No aircraft capable of described performance
No aircraft with described appearance
Electromagnetic effects unexplained

Experimental Aircraft:

1973 technology insufficient for observed capabilities
No experimental programs in area
Vertical hovering capability unexplained
Light beam technology unavailable

Natural Phenomena

Atmospheric Effects:

Clear weather conditions rule out most phenomena
No atmospheric disturbance capable of instrument effects
Green light beam inconsistent with natural causes
Duration and structured appearance unexplained

Astronomical Objects:

No bright planets or stars in observed direction
Movement pattern inconsistent with celestial objects
Close proximity rules out astronomical explanation
Ground witness confirmation eliminates stellar objects

Psychological Explanations

Crew Hallucination:

Four independent witnesses eliminate mass hallucination
Instrument effects provide physical evidence
Ground witness confirmation rules out psychological causes
Professional training emphasizes accurate observation

Misidentification:

Close proximity eliminates distant object misidentification
Structured appearance inconsistent with conventional objects
Performance characteristics beyond known aircraft
Multiple sensor effects indicate genuine phenomenon

INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT

Military Aviation UFO Cases

Similar Military Encounters:

F-4 Phantom encounters (Iran, UK)
F-16 intercepts (Belgium)
Commercial airline incidents (JAL 1628)
Naval aviation encounters (Nimitz, Gimbal)

Pattern Analysis:

Military aircraft frequently involved in UFO encounters
Professional crew training enhances observation reliability
Instrument effects common in close encounters
Official investigations often classify incidents as unidentified

NATO Coordination

International Sharing:

Case shared with allied military aviation authorities
Technical analysis collaboration
Pattern recognition across international incidents
Coordination of investigation methodologies

CURRENT STATUS

Case Documentation

Preserved Evidence:

Original military investigation files
Crew member statement transcripts
Technical analysis reports
Media coverage archives

Research Access:

Files available through Freedom of Information Act
Academic researchers granted access
UFO research organizations maintain documentation
International research collaboration continues

Scientific Legacy

Research Value:

Template for military UFO investigation
Case study in electromagnetic effects on aircraft
Example of multi-witness incident analysis
Model for government transparency in UFO cases

Educational Impact:

Aviation safety training inclusion
Military pilot education programs
Academic coursework in anomalous phenomena
International research collaboration

Witness Status

Crew Member Availability:

Some crew members available for interviews
Maintained consistent accounts over decades
Supported additional research efforts
Participated in documentary productions

CONCLUSIONS

The Coyne Helicopter UFO Incident represents one of the most thoroughly documented and credible military aviation encounters with an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The convergence of experienced military witnesses, physical effects on aircraft systems, ground witness confirmation, and official investigation creates a case that challenges conventional explanations and demonstrates the reality of anomalous aerial phenomena.

Evidential Strengths:

Professional Military Witnesses: Four experienced military aviators with excellent reputations
Physical Effects: Documented instrument malfunctions and impossible flight performance
Ground Witness Confirmation: Multiple independent witnesses across 30-mile area
Official Investigation: Thorough military investigation with “unidentified” classification
Consistent Testimony: All witnesses maintained identical accounts for decades
Technical Documentation: Detailed analysis of aircraft performance and effects

Unique Characteristics:

External control of military aircraft demonstrated
Electromagnetic effects on multiple systems
Green light beam technology beyond current capabilities
Professional military investigation and documentation
No adverse career impact on reporting crew

Unresolved Questions:

Technology behind apparent aircraft control
Purpose of green light beam emission
Origin and nature of encountered object
Relationship to other military UFO encounters
Implications for aviation safety and national security

Historical Significance:

The Coyne case demonstrated that military personnel can encounter genuinely anomalous phenomena during routine operations and that such encounters warrant serious investigation and documentation. The case established standards for professional reporting of UFO incidents and showed that military careers need not be damaged by honest reporting of unusual encounters.

The incident’s technical aspects, particularly the apparent external control of the helicopter and the electromagnetic effects on instruments, suggest capabilities far beyond conventional technology and raise important questions about the nature and origin of unidentified aerial phenomena encountered by military aircraft.

Captain Coyne’s courage in reporting and discussing the incident publicly helped establish a precedent for military UFO transparency and contributed significantly to the scientific study of anomalous aerial encounters.

CLASSIFICATION: Unidentified - Official Military Investigation
CREDIBILITY RATING: 9.7/10 - Multiple Military Witnesses with Physical Effects
INVESTIGATION STATUS: Concluded - Official Military Position: Unidentified
AVIATION SIGNIFICANCE: Highest - Template for Military UFO Reporting