National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP)

The National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) was one of the most prominent organizations dedicated to investigating the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in the United States during the mid-twentieth century. Founded in 1956, NICAP aimed to gather and analyze evidence of UFO sightings, and to promote public awareness of the issue.

NICAP was known for its rigorous approach to investigating UFO sightings, relying on both eyewitness testimony and physical evidence to form its conclusions. The organization was led by a distinguished panel of advisors, including former military personnel and scientists, who lent credibility to its work.

During its heyday, NICAP was at the forefront of the investigation of numerous high-profile UFO sightings, including the following:

1. The Kelly-Hopkinsville encounter: In 1955, two families in rural Kentucky reported encounters with strange, glowing objects in the sky and bizarre, human-like creatures.
2. The Washington D.C. flap: In 1952, a series of UFO sightings was reported in the skies over the nation’s capital, including reports of objects hovering near the White House and other government buildings.
3. The Mantell Incident: In 1948, a military pilot died while pursuing a UFO that had been sighted in the skies over Kentucky. The incident was one of the first to be investigated by NICAP and is still shrouded in mystery.
4. The Lakenheath-Bentwaters incident: In 1956, a series of UFO sightings was reported by military personnel at two air force bases in England. The incidents were investigated by NICAP and remain unexplained to this day.
5. The Coyne helicopter incident: In 1973, a helicopter crew in Ohio reported a close encounter with a UFO, leading to an investigation by NICAP and the Air Force.

Despite its successes, NICAP was not without its challenges. The organization was criticized for its lack of scientific rigor, and for promoting the idea of a government cover-up of the UFO phenomenon. Nevertheless, NICAP remained active until 1980, when it was officially disbanded due to declining public interest and funding issues.

Although NICAP is no longer in operation, its legacy continues to influence the field of UFO research. The organization was one of the first to advocate for the scientific investigation of UFO sightings and to promote the idea of extraterrestrial life. Today, NICAP’s extensive archives, including its extensive collection of UFO sightings and reports, continue to be a valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts alike.