Spanish Fort UFO Mid-Air Collision
Background
On October 23, 2002, a Cessna 208B Cargomaster piloted by Thomas Preziose crashed into swampy water in Big Bateau Bay, Spanish Fort, Alabama, just six minutes after takeoff from Mobile at 7:46 p.m. The NTSB preliminary report stated the aircraft "collided in-flight with an unknown object" at 3,000 feet, but the final report attributed it to pilot disorientation.
Der Vorfall
The crash occurred six minutes after takeoff from Mobile at 7:46 p.m.
- Aircraft: Cessna 208B Cargomaster
- Pilot: Thomas Preziose
- Location: Big Bateau Bay, Spanish Fort, Alabama
Untersuchung
According to the NTSB preliminary accident report, the aircraft "collided in-flight with an unknown object" at 3,000 feet.
Strange red residue ("transfer marks") was found on at least fourteen different areas of the downed aircraft.
The engine block had been split, suggesting enormous impact force.
An independent analysis found the residue composition was "significantly different" from a US Air Force UAV.
The final NTSB report attributed the crash to "pilot disorientation", contradicting its own preliminary finding.
Bedeutung
This case highlights conflicting official explanations about the unknown object collision.
Significance
Kean's investigation reveals: a strange red residue (transfer marks) was found on at least fourteen areas of the downed aircraft. Spectroscopic analysis (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) found the residue consisted of tere- and isophthalate polymer material significantly different from U.S. Air Force UAV metal comparison samples. The initial NTSB report mentioned collision with an unknown object, but the final report attributed the crash to pilot disorientation. The NTSB did not request radar data from nearby Pensacola Naval Air Station. An independent investigation found numerous discrepancies in both FAA and NTSB documentation. Preziose's last words: Night Ship 282, I needed to deviate.