Northern Montana: B-52 tracked by UFO, F-89 chase
A B-52 bomber on a secret mission over northern Montana detected an unknown object on radar, which was later visually confirmed by an F-89 interceptor pilot showing red, green, and white lights suggesting a delta-shaped craft.
Background
Incident
On March 25, 1959 at 19:36, the crew of a B-52 jet bomber on a sensitive Operation Head Start mission southward over northern Montana noticed an object following them. Tail gunner T/Sgt Joe Cobb spotted it first on his radar, confirmed by electronic warfare officer 1Lt Robert J. Millard, who identified two radar frequencies. They watched it for over an hour on an MB-9 scope at ranges of 4.5 to 8.5 miles.
Ground and Air Reaction
A ground GCI station was alerted when the object penetrated the northern air defence identification zone. An F-89J interceptor flown by 1Lt Austin E. Bond took off and established visual contact. The object showed bright red and green flashing lights about 30–40 feet apart, with a steady white light between them and slightly behind, suggesting a delta or swept-wing aircraft the size of a B-57.
Pursuit and Escape
Bond closed to 4 miles, whereupon the object changed course, accelerated, and climbed. The fighter gave chase, but the target eluded it until 20:42. It showed high performance and apparently transmitted an X-band signal at 9,130–9,135 MHz. (Sources: NICAP, Clark III 998, Clark IV 1111)