Ministry of Defence UFO Reports 1991

This document is a collection of reports and correspondence regarding Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and aerial phenomena observed across the United Kingdom throughout 1991. The file contains numerous 'Report of an Unidentified Flying Object' forms, which were standard Ministry of Defence (MOD) documents used to record sightings reported by members of the public, police, and military personnel. These reports detail a wide variety of observations, including bright lights, spherical or cigar-shaped objects, and unusual aerial maneuvers. Many reports include specific details such as the date, time, duration, description of the object, location, and weather conditions. Several entries involve reports from police stations, such as Humberside, Essex, and Derbyshire, which were then forwarded to the MOD for review. The file also includes internal MOD and Royal Air Force (RAF) communications, such as telex messages between RAF West Drayton and other stations, discussing the nature of these phenomena. A significant portion of the file is dedicated to a specific incident on April 21, 1991, involving an Alitalia MD80 flight near Lydd, Kent. The pilot reported a near-collision with a missile-like object. This incident prompted an investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and internal inquiries within the MOD to determine if any military missiles were in use in the area at the time. The MOD concluded that no military activity could explain the sighting. Throughout the file, there is a recurring theme of the MOD attempting to identify these objects, often concluding that they were likely astronomical phenomena, aircraft, or other conventional objects, though many reports remain categorized as unidentified. The file reflects the administrative process of handling public reports, including the involvement of various agencies and the standard procedures for documenting and filing these occurrences.