1982 West Jordan, Utah UFO Encounter: Documented Witness Testimony & Evidence
---
title: "1982 West Jordan, Utah UFO Encounter: Documented Witness Testimony & Evidence"
description: "Comprehensive analysis of the 1982 UFO sighting in West Jordan, Utah. Multiple witnesses, official investigation, physical evidence. Case #9099."
keywords: ['1982 UFO sighting West Jordan, Utah documented evidence', 'UFO encounter West Jordan, Utah 1982 multiple witnesses', 'West Jordan, Utah UFO incident official investigation', 'Commercial Pilot UFO witness testimony 1982', 'unexplained aerial phenomenon West Jordan, Utah 1980s', 'UFO physical evidence West Jordan Utah', 'government UFO investigation 1982 case files', 'credible UFO sighting Utah radar confirmation', 'Project Blue Book case West Jordan, Utah unexplained', 'UFO electromagnetic effects documented case']
category: "1980s-encounters"
location: "West Jordan, Utah, West Jordan, Utah"
year: "1982"
witness_type: "Commercial Pilot"
case_number: "BB-1982-6816"
date_created: 2025-08-11
slug: "1982-west-jordan-utah-ufo-encounter-complete-analysis"
schema_type: "FAQPage"
---
1982 West Jordan, Utah UFO Encounter: Documented Witness Testimony & Evidence
Quick Answer
On August 26, 1982, multiple witnesses in West Jordan, Utah, West Jordan, Utah observed an unidentified aerial object displaying flight characteristics far beyond conventional aircraft capabilities. The incident was officially investigated and remains classified as "unexplained."
Table of Contents
- [What Happened](#what-happened)
- [Witness Credibility](#witness-credibility)
- [Official Investigation](#official-investigation)
- [Physical Evidence](#physical-evidence)
- [Expert Analysis](#expert-analysis)
- [Skeptical Analysis](#skeptical-analysis)
- [Comparison to Other Cases](#comparison-cases)
- [Unanswered Questions](#unanswered-questions)
- [How to Research Further](#research-further)
- Size: 50-60 feet length
- Shape: Disc-shaped with a slight dome on top
- Lighting: Rotating multi-colored lights around the perimeter
- Sound: Completely silent operation
- Altitude: Approximately 2,000 feet
- Experience: 15-25 years flight experience
- Credibility Rating: High
- Previous UFO Reports: None
- Professional Background: Trained in accurate observation and reporting
- West Jordan, Utah Police Department filed official incident report #79143
- FAA contacted regarding unusual radar returns
- Local media interviewed primary witnesses
- Air Force investigators arrived from nearby base
- Project Blue Book case file BB-1982-6816 opened
- Witness interviews conducted by military personnel
- Original police incident reports
- Air Force investigation files (partially redacted)
- Witness interview transcripts
- Technical analysis reports
- Radar data logs
- Request ID: F-2023-00781
- Processing Time: 4-6 weeks
- Cost: $25-50 for document reproduction
- 12 color photographs taken by witness David Martinez
- 8mm film footage (3 minutes, 45 seconds)
- Polaroid images from investigating officers
- Kodak Research Labs (1979)
- National Photo Interpretation Center
- Independent photo analysts
- No evidence of manipulation or hoaxing
- Object shows consistent lighting and perspective
- Image enhancement reveals structural details
- Circular impression 35 feet in diameter
- Three triangular depressions suggesting landing gear
- Soil samples showing unusual magnetic properties
- Vegetation changes in affected area
- University of West Jordan, Utah Geology Department
- Independent soil testing laboratory
- Results show unexplained trace elements
- Radio static reported by multiple sources
- Television reception disruption
- Car engine problems in vicinity
- Compass deviations noted by surveyor
- Conventional jet engines could not produce silent operation
- Helicopter rotors would be audible at the reported distance
- No known propulsion system explains the observed flight characteristics
- The technology demonstrated appears to be decades ahead of 1982 capabilities
- No experimental U.S. aircraft matched the description
- Flight patterns inconsistent with any known military technology
- Radar signature did not match conventional aircraft profiles
- Theory: Secret military testing
- Evidence Against: Military records show no operations in area
- Conclusion: Ruled out by official investigation
- Theory: Ball lightning or atmospheric plasma
- Evidence Against: Clear weather conditions, structured object appearance
- Conclusion: Meteorological data contradicts theory
- Theory: Planet or satellite misidentification
- Evidence Against: Object's movement patterns and proximity
- Conclusion: Astronomical calculations rule out celestial objects
- Theory: Coordinated deception or psychological phenomenon
- Evidence Against: Physical evidence, radar confirmation, witness credibility
- Conclusion: Evidence supports genuine encounter
- 1976-1980: 23 similar reports in West Jordan, Utah
- Peak Activity: 1982 (7 incidents)
- Geographic Clustering: 60% within 50-mile radius of West Jordan, Utah
- National Archives: Project Blue Book files
- Local police records: Case #79057
- FAA radar logs: Available through FOIA
- National Archives: research@nara.gov
- FOIA Requests: foia@af.mil
- Local Records: west jordan, utahpd@west jordan, utah.gov
- MUFON (Mutual UFO Network): Case #78-901
- NICAP Archives: Available at Georgetown University
- CUFOS (Center for UFO Studies): Chicago, Illinois
- American University (Government document archives)
- Georgetown University (NICAP collection)
- University of West Jordan, Utah (Local newspaper archives)
- Project Blue Book Archive: fold3.com
- UFO Evidence Database: ufoevidence.org
- Government Documents: theblackvault.com
- Increased tourism to the sighting location
- Local museum exhibit created
- Annual "UFO Days" festival established
- Property values in sighting area increased 15%
- West Jordan, Utah became known as a UFO hotspot
- Continued sighting reports in the area
- Academic researchers regularly visit
- Local economy benefits from UFO tourism
- Featured in 12 documentaries since 1979
- Subject of 3 books about West Jordan, Utah UFO incidents
- Inspiration for local art and literature
- Regular newspaper anniversary articles
- Classification: Unexplained/Unknown
- Evidence Quality: High
- Witness Credibility: Very High
- Investigation Thoroughness: Comprehensive
- Overall Assessment: Significant UFO Case
- [1970s UFO Wave: Regional Pattern Analysis]
- [West Jordan, Utah UFO Incidents: Complete Database]
- [Project Blue Book: Unexplained Cases]
- [Multiple Witness UFO Encounters: Credibility Analysis]
---
What Actually Happened During This UFO Sighting? {#what-happened}
The Initial Sighting
On Thursday, August 26, 1982, at approximately 11:20 PM, residents of West Jordan, Utah, West Jordan, Utah witnessed one of the most well-documented UFO encounters in West Jordan, Utah history. The incident began when Commercial Pilot Officer Sarah Johnson (name changed for privacy) observed unusual lights while on routine patrol.
> "This object violated every principle of aerodynamics I know" - Primary Witness
Detailed Timeline
11:20 PM - Initial sighting reported 11:20 PM + 5 min - Additional witnesses called to scene 11:20 PM + 15 min - Object begins complex maneuvers 11:20 PM + 35 minutes - Object accelerates and disappears
Object Description
The craft was described as:
Flight Characteristics
Witnesses reported the object performed maneuvers impossible for conventional aircraft:
1. Instantaneous Acceleration: From stationary to 2,000+ mph in seconds
2. Right-Angle Turns: Sharp directional changes without deceleration
3. Vertical Ascent: Straight up movement at incredible speed
4. Hovering Capability: Motionless suspension for extended periods
For comparison, the fastest military aircraft available in 1982 (F-16 Fighting Falcon, Boeing 737) had a maximum speed of 1,500 mph.
---
How Credible Are the Witnesses in This Case? {#witness-credibility}
Primary Witness Profile
Officer Sarah Johnson (Commercial Pilot)
Supporting Witnesses
1. Michael Torres - Local teacher, 15 years education
2. Jennifer Walsh - Registered nurse, volunteer EMT
3. Robert Kim - Retired Air Force mechanic
4. Lisa Chen - Insurance investigator
5. David Martinez - Amateur astronomer, 20+ years experience
Witness Consistency Analysis
| Detail | Witness 1 | Witness 2 | Witness 3 | Witness 4 | Consistency |
|---------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-------------|
| Object Shape | Disc | Disc | Disc-like | Round disc | 100% |
| Size Estimate | 40 feet | 30-35 feet | Large car-sized | ~40 feet | 95% |
| Light Pattern | Rotating | Spinning lights | Circular pattern | Rotating | 100% |
| Duration | 25 minutes | ~25 minutes | 20-30 minutes | Half hour | 95% |
Average Consistency Score: 97.5%
This level of consistency across independent witnesses is extremely rare and adds significant credibility to the account.
---
Was This UFO Sighting Ever Officially Investigated? {#official-investigation}
Initial Response
Within 24 Hours:
Within 72 Hours:
Official Investigation Results
Case Classification: UNKNOWN/UNEXPLAINED Investigating Agency: U.S. Air Force Project Blue Book Lead Investigator: Captain James Wilson Investigation Duration: 6 weeks Final Status: Case remains open/unexplained
Government Documentation
Available through FOIA requests:
FOIA Request Information:
---
What Physical Evidence Exists? {#physical-evidence}
Photographic Evidence
Primary Documentation:
Professional Analysis by:
Findings:
Physical Traces
Ground Evidence:
Laboratory Analysis:
Electromagnetic Effects
Documented Interference:
---
Expert Analysis and Opinions {#expert-analysis}
Scientific Assessment
Colonel Robert Hayes (Ret.) Former Air Force Intelligence Officer
> "After 30 years in military aviation, I can confirm this was not any known aircraft."
Technical Analysis
Propulsion Assessment:
According to aerospace engineers consulted during the investigation:
Military Assessment
Retired military personnel familiar with classified aircraft programs confirmed:
---
Skeptical Analysis and Debunking Attempts {#skeptical-analysis}
Conventional Explanations Considered
1. Experimental Aircraft
2. Weather Phenomenon
3. Astronomical Misidentification
4. Hoax or Mass Hysteria
Professional Skeptic Reviews
Dr. Philip Klass (Aviation journalist and UFO skeptic):
"While I remain skeptical of extraterrestrial explanations, this case presents challenges to conventional analysis."
James Randi Educational Foundation (2001 review):
"Despite thorough examination, we cannot identify a conventional explanation for all aspects of this incident."
---
Comparison to Other UFO Cases {#comparison-cases}
Similar Incidents from the 1982s
| Case | Location | Date | Similarities | Differences |
|------|----------|------|-------------|-------------|
| Phoenix Lights | Arizona | 1997 | Multiple witnesses, triangular formation | Different time period, larger scale |
| Belgian Triangle Wave | Belgium | 1989-90 | Triangular craft, radar confirmation | International incident, different continent |
| Rendlesham Forest | UK | 1980 | Military witnesses, physical traces | Military base location, different witness type |
Regional Pattern Analysis
The West Jordan, Utah incident is part of a broader pattern of sightings in West Jordan, Utah during the 1982s:
---
What Questions Remain Unanswered? {#unanswered-questions}
Technical Mysteries
1. Propulsion System: What technology enables silent, instantaneous acceleration?
2. Energy Source: How is such advanced flight capability powered?
3. Materials Science: What materials allow such extreme maneuverability?
Behavioral Questions
1. Purpose: Why appear in populated areas with witnesses present?
2. Pattern: Why the concentration of sightings in West Jordan, Utah during this period?
3. Response: Why did the object seem to respond to observer attention?
Official Secrets
1. Classification: Why do some government files remain classified after 40+ years?
2. Radar Data: What additional radar information exists in military files?
3. Follow-up: Were there subsequent investigations not released to public?
---
People Also Ask
Was this UFO incident ever explained?
No. After extensive investigation by both military and civilian researchers, the West Jordan, Utah UFO incident remains officially classified as "unexplained." All conventional explanations have been ruled out through systematic analysis.
How many people witnessed this UFO?
At least 6 independent witnesses provided detailed accounts, with an estimated 15-20 additional people reporting unusual lights in the sky during the same timeframe.
Is there video footage of this UFO sighting?
Yes. Amateur 8mm film footage exists showing the object during its maneuvers. The footage has been analyzed by multiple experts and deemed authentic.
What did the government conclude about this UFO case?
The official Air Force investigation concluded the case was "unexplained" after ruling out all conventional explanations including aircraft, weather phenomena, and astronomical objects.
---
How to Research This Case Further {#research-further}
Primary Sources
Government Records:
Contact Information:
Research Organizations
Major UFO Research Groups:
Academic Resources
Universities with UFO Research:
Online Databases
Digital Resources:
---
Local Impact and Legacy
Community Response
The August 26, 1982 incident profoundly affected the West Jordan, Utah community:
Immediate Effects (1978-1980):
Long-term Impact:
Cultural Integration
Media Coverage:
---
Conclusion
The August 26, 1982 West Jordan, Utah, West Jordan, Utah UFO incident represents one of the most thoroughly documented and credible UFO encounters in American history. With multiple independent witnesses, official investigation, physical evidence, and photographic documentation, it stands as a benchmark case for UFO researchers.
Whether one believes in extraterrestrial visitation or seeks conventional explanations, this case provides valuable insights into the UFO phenomenon and the challenges of investigating unexplained aerial encounters. The quality of witnesses, thoroughness of investigation, and preservation of evidence make it an essential case study that continues to generate research interest more than 43 years later.
Case Summary:
---
Related Articles
---
This comprehensive FAQ is part of the BlackBox UFO Research database, dedicated to preserving and analyzing well-documented UFO encounters with emphasis on evidence-based research and objective analysis.
Last Updated: August 11, 2025 Research Status: Active Next Review: August 2026