ENQUETE 81 / 01 ANALYSE D'UNE TRACE - NOTE TECHNIQUE N° 16

This technical report, issued by the GEPAN (Groupe d'Etude des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-Identifiés) on March 1, 1983, details the investigation into a UFO sighting and associated physical traces reported by a Mr. Colini in the commune of A1, France, on January 8, 1981. The witness, a retired construction worker, reported observing a dark, ovoid object resembling two inverted bowls that descended and landed on his property. He described the object as having a smooth, matte surface, approximately 1.5 meters in height and 2.5 meters in diameter, with four circular appendages underneath. The object emitted a light whistling sound, similar to a strong wind, and departed vertically at high speed. The investigation, which included the Gendarmerie and private investigators, documented a physical trace on the ground consisting of two concentric circles with a 10-centimeter-thick crown, showing signs of significant soil compaction and striations. Extensive laboratory analyses were conducted on soil and vegetation samples. Physical analysis of the soil revealed mechanical pressure, surface erosion, and thermal effects, with evidence of iron or iron oxide deposits. Biochemical analysis of the local vegetation (Medicago minima) showed significant degradation of photosynthetic pigments, specifically chlorophylls and carotenoids, which persisted 40 days after the event. The report concludes that while the witness's account is consistent and the physical evidence indicates a high-energy event occurred at the site, the exact nature of the phenomenon remains unidentified. The report emphasizes the need for more systematic studies on such physical interactions to provide definitive explanations.