Landing with ground traces in Trans-en-Provence, 1981

Summary

In January 1981 a witness in Trans-en-Provence saw a grey, circular object land near his home. It measured roughly 2.5 metres across and 1.70 metres high, with marks he described as hatches or legs. The event lasted 30 to 40 seconds before the object took off vertically at high speed.

At the landing spot investigators found a two-metre circular mark with drag traces. The gendarmerie collected soil and plant samples, and GEPAN carried out a second inspection. Analyses revealed soil compaction, combustion residue and a slight temperature rise. Nearby plants showed degradation possibly caused by an intense electric field. The exact cause was not determined, but the testimony was deemed credible.