Arica UFO Sightings Trigger Chilean Government Response

In the last days of March and beginning of April 1997, various anomalous aerial phenomena were observed over the city of Arica in the far north of Chile. For two consecutive days, lights were seen west of the city and the airport, alarming the population, with the DGAC issuing a public statement acknowledging the observations—the first time the Chilean government had publicly recognized unidentified objects in national airspace, directly leading to the creation of CEFAA in October 1997.

The Incident

Anomalous aerial phenomena were sighted over Arica in the far north of Chile.

Lights were observed west of the city and the airport.

The lights apparently moved in a coordinated manner over the sea.

Witness Statements

• Civilians
• Officials
• Official aeronautical experts at Aeropuerto Chacalluta

Investigation

The DGAC issued a public statement.

This was the first time the Chilean government acknowledged unidentified objects in national airspace.

Significance

The events led directly to the creation of CEFAA in October 1997.

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In the last days of March and beginning of April 1997, various anomalous aerial phenomena were observed over the city of Arica in the far north of Chile. On two consecutive days, lights were seen west of the city and the airport, alarming the population, with lights also visible over the sea that apparently moved in a coordinated manner. Witnesses included civilians, officials, and official aeronautical experts at Aeropuerto Chacalluta; the DGAC issued a public statement acknowledging the observations—the first time the Chilean government publicly confirmed unidentified objects in national airspace, which led directly to the creation of CEFAA in October 1997.

The Incident

At the end of March and beginning of April 1997, anomalous aerial phenomena were observed over Arica in northern Chile.

On two consecutive days, coordinated lights were seen.

Lights were visible west of the city, the airport, and over the sea.

Witness Statements

• Civilians
• Officials
• Official aeronautical experts at Aeropuerto Chacalluta

Investigation

The DGAC publicly confirmed the observations.

This was the first time Chile acknowledged unidentified objects in its airspace.

Significance

This led directly to the creation of CEFAA in October 1997.