On March 5, 2004, a Mexican Air Force surveillance flight encountered multiple unidentified objects in the skies over Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche. The incident, recorded on military sensors, sparked significant interest due to its well-documented nature and the Mexican government’s decision to release the information publicly.
The Merlin C26A Bimotor aircraft, part of the 501 Aerial Squadron, took off on a routine anti-drug trafficking mission. Equipped with advanced detection systems – a FLIR STAR ZAPPHIR II and a RADAR AN/PS 143 BRAVO VICTOR 3 – the plane was piloted by Mayor Magdaleno Jasso Núñez. Lieutenant Mario Adrián Vázquez operated the FLIR system, while Lieutenant German Ramirez manned the radar.
At approximately 5:00 PM, the crew detected an unknown radar signature at 10,500 feet altitude. Following protocol, Mayor Jasso directed the aircraft to investigate, suspecting a potential drug-smuggling plane. He alerted the base, requesting interceptor aircraft be put on standby.
As the Merlin C26A approached for visual confirmation, the unknown object displayed remarkable speed, quickly outpacing the military aircraft. Mayor Jasso attempted pursuit, but the object’s velocity exceeded their plane’s capabilities.
In an unexpected turn, the object changed course and began following the Merlin C26A. Both radar and infrared systems detected this shift. Despite clear instrument readings, the crew couldn’t establish visual contact with the object.
The situation intensified when a second object appeared on the aircraft’s detection systems, joining the first in pursuit of the Mexican Air Force plane. The crew remained unable to visually spot the objects, despite their clear presence on the sophisticated equipment.
Mayor Jasso reported these developments to base command. Suddenly, nine additional objects materialized on the aircraft’s sensors, bringing the total to eleven. These new arrivals shared characteristics with the first two, appearing as distinct signatures on the infrared system.
The Merlin C26A crew found themselves in an unprecedented situation. Their advanced equipment detected eleven objects surrounding the aircraft, yet they remained invisible to the naked eye. The objects formed a circle around the plane mid-flight.
Mayor Jasso declared a red alert to base command. Despite mounting tension, the crew continued performing their duties, meticulously recording and measuring every aspect of the encounter.
In response, Mayor Jasso ordered all aircraft lights extinguished. The crew waited in the darkened cabin, illuminated only by instrument panels, while the FLIR system tracked the luminous objects encircling them.
After several minutes, the unidentified objects vanished as abruptly as they had appeared. The Merlin C26A returned to base, where Mayor Jasso prepared a comprehensive report of the incident.
Mexico’s Secretary of Defense, General Clemente Vega Garcia, made the decision to make the encounter public. On April 20, 2004, General Vega contacted Jaime Maussan, a journalist and investigator known for his work on unidentified aerial phenomena. The following day, Maussan met with the Secretary of Defense and his senior staff for a briefing on the March 5th encounter.
General Vega’s decision to involve Maussan and release information about the incident marked a departure from typical military procedures regarding unidentified aerial phenomena. It signaled a new approach to openness and collaboration between Mexico’s armed forces and civilian researchers.
The Mexican Department of Defense conducted a thorough investigation into the incident. They analyzed the crew’s statements, scrutinized the sensor data, and evaluated all available evidence, including meteorological information from the time of the encounter.
On April 22, 2004, General Vega provided Jaime Maussan with copies of all the data collected during the incident. This included the FLIR and radar recordings, giving Maussan and his research team access to military-grade evidence of the encounter.
The release of this information led to a press conference at the Hotel Sevilla Palace in Mexico City on May 11, 2004. International media representatives gathered to hear details of the encounter from military officials and view the sensor footage captured during the flight.
The infrared video, distributed to news outlets, showed multiple bright objects moving rapidly across the night sky. Some appeared as points of light, while others resembled glowing orbs. The objects’ movements and formations defied conventional explanations.
Lieutenant German Marin, the radar operator during the encounter, spoke about his experience in a recorded interview: “Was I afraid? Yes. A little afraid because we were facing something that had never happened before.”
Lieutenant Mario Adrian Vazquez, who operated the infrared equipment, emphasized the reality of what they had witnessed: “I couldn’t say what it was … but I think they’re completely real.” He added that there was no way to alter or falsify the recorded images.
Mayor Magdaleno Castanon, the aircraft’s captain, described the objects’ apparent reaction to their presence: “I believe they could feel we were pursuing them.” This observation suggested a level of awareness or intelligence guiding the unidentified craft.
Jaime Maussan, addressing reporters at the news conference, emphasized the significance of the event: “This is important information. Hundreds of videos exist, but none had the backing of the armed forces of any country. The armed forces don’t perpetuate frauds.”
The decision by the Mexican Department of Defense to release this information publicly represents a shift from the typical approach to military encounters with unidentified aerial phenomena. It raises questions about why this particular incident was chosen for disclosure and what it might mean for future investigations.
The Ciudad del Carmen incident has become a notable case, particularly due to the quality of the witnesses, the sophistication of the detecting equipment, and the willingness of a national military to engage with the public and researchers on the topic of unidentified flying objects.
This event has sparked discussions about the need for new legislation and protocols to address such encounters, both for civilian aviation and military operations. The Mexican government’s approach to this incident may influence how other nations handle and communicate about unexplained aerial phenomena.
As research into the March 5, 2004 encounter continues, it remains a subject of interest. The event challenges current understanding of aviation technology and raises questions about what might be present in our skies.
The Merlin C26A crew faced an unknown situation, the Mexican military shared their findings, and government officials collaborated with civilian researchers. These factors contribute to making this case a significant point in the study of aerial anomalies.
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