NOTE TECHNIQUE N°12 - ENQUETES 81/07 et 81/09

This technical note from the GEPAN (Groupe d'Etudes des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés) details the investigation of a ground trace discovered in a cornfield in the commune of V2, France, in June 1981. The trace was first noticed by an agricultural worker, M. EMMANUEL, on June 12, 1981, while he was spreading fertilizer. He observed a circular area of approximately 18 meters in diameter where the corn plants appeared dried and withered, and the soil was disturbed. At the center of this area, five small holes were found, along with cracked earth. The property owner, M. GUY, was alerted, and the local gendarmerie was eventually notified on June 17, 1981. The GEPAN arrived on-site on June 18, 1981, to conduct a thorough investigation, including physical measurements, soil sampling, and interviews with witnesses. The investigation found no evidence of radioactivity or significant magnetic anomalies. The soil analysis indicated a superficial heating effect, likely caused by a thermal event. The report also includes an investigation into a second incident (Enquête 81/09) involving a crater in a wheat field in the region of V3, which was also attributed to a lightning strike. The GEPAN concludes that both incidents were likely caused by lightning strikes, noting that while this explanation is consistent with the observed physical effects, the lack of systematic atmospheric discharge detection makes definitive proof challenging. The report also explores the psychosocial aspects of the witnesses, noting that while many initially suspected an extraterrestrial origin, they were generally open to rational explanations once presented with the findings.