Proces-Verbal d'Enquete Preliminaire - O.V.N.I. - 20 Janvier 1980

This document is a preliminary investigation report (Proces-Verbal N° 59) filed by the French Gendarmerie Nationale on January 28, 1980, regarding an Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (O.V.N.I.) sighting that occurred on January 20, 1980. The witness, an agent for the local water service, reported observing a dark, cigar-shaped object with two small fins while driving his service vehicle near a water tower. He estimated the object was approximately 3 to 4 meters long and flying at an altitude of 200 meters. The witness reported that his vehicle's radio emitted abnormal crackling sounds and that his dashboard lighting malfunctioned during the encounter. The object reportedly changed shape to an oval, illuminated with a bright yellow-orange light, and then departed rapidly. The investigation included a site visit by the Gendarmerie on January 21, 1980, where they searched for physical traces but found none. They also consulted the Gendarmerie of Air Transport, which confirmed no aviation activity in the area. The report concludes that while no other witnesses were found to corroborate the event, the witness's testimony is considered credible and not to be doubted.