The Needles UFO | Mystery Wire

8
8 News Now — Las Vegas
·
February 2, 2026
517.7K views
Tier 1First Person EncounterInterview with Experiencer
Experiencer: Frank Costigan, David Hayes, Bob on the River, Unnamed Fisherman, Brad Allen

Analysis Summary

Program Intel Profile
documentaryTopic: historical caseIntel Value: 8/10

Frank Costigan

Contact Experience Triad

Hynek: CE1

David Hayes

Contact Experience Triad

Hynek: CE1

Bob on the River

Contact Experience Triad

Hynek: CE1

Unnamed Fisherman

Contact Experience Triad

Hynek: CE2

Brad Allen

Contact Experience Triad

Hynek: not_stated

The Encounter

The encounter involved Frank Costigan, a former LAX police chief, who saw a bright object in the sky while letting his cat out at 3 AM in May 2008. He observed the object flying fast, slowing down, and then disappearing behind a hill. Hours later, David Hayes, a radio station owner, noticed dark vehicles with government plates near the crash site. Witnesses reported seeing helicopters retrieve a glowing, oval-shaped object. The incident led to speculation about a government cover-up and the involvement of military personnel. After the encounter, the witnesses experienced ongoing interest in the event, with some feeling intimidated and others wanting to share their stories publicly.

✦ AI Generated

Program Intelligence Analysis

Executive Summary

The video discusses a UFO sighting and crash in Needles, California, in May 2008, featuring eyewitness accounts and government involvement. It highlights the rapid military response and the mysterious presence of the Office of Secure Transportation in relation to the incident.

Primary Revelation

The rapid military response to the Needles crash suggests a significant coverup regarding the nature of the object involved.

F
Frank Costigan
witnessneutral
LAX Airport Security
Former chief of airport securityEyewitness account

It lit it was bright enough that it illuminated the ground.

D
David Hayes
witnessneutral
KTOX Radio
Eyewitness accountOwner of KTOX Radio

It seemed like it was some kind of surveillance vehicle.

B
Bob on the River
witnessneutral
Houseboat resident
Eyewitness accountKnown in the community

It hit and it thumped. It didn't crash. It didn't explode.

J
John Alexander
investigatorneutral
Retired Intelligence Colonel
Retired intelligence officerExpert in military technology

It's possible that what crashed near the river was something being developed in secrecy by our military.

Project MoondustCold War (Cold War to string (optional))confirmed

Managed by: U.S. Government

Locate and recover objects that fall from the sky

historical eventspecific

In May 2008, a UFO sighting occurred in Needles, California, where a fiery object was seen crashing into the ground.

Source: Ron Futrell
otherspecific

Frank Costigan, a former LAX police chief, witnessed the object flying and described it as bright enough to illuminate the ground.

Source: Frank Costigan
coverupspecific

David Hayes, a local radio station owner, reported seeing dark vehicles with government plates near the crash site.

Source: David Hayes
historical eventspecific

Witnesses reported seeing military helicopters, including a sky crane, arriving shortly after the object crashed.

Source: Bob on the River
crash retrievalspecific

The object was described as oval-shaped and glowing, and was retrieved by helicopters shortly after the crash.

Source: Bob on the River
coverupspecific

The Office of Secure Transportation (OST) is responsible for transporting nuclear materials and has been linked to the incident.

Source: George Knapp
✦ AI-extracted program intelligence — verify against source testimony
1

Witnessed a fiery object in the sky that he believed crashed near Needles, CA.

Frank Costigan · First-Person

Encounter Context

Factual Details
2008-05-013:00 AMYear: 2008

rough terrain just west of the Colorado River and south of Needles

Needles, California, united_states

desertColorado River
Connected Encounters (1)
Laughlin Airport
3 witnesses mentionedFrank CostiganDavid HayesBob
Reported to authorities

Encounter Research Breakdown

Phenomenological Analysis
physical sightingCE11 entityhumanoid
Moderate Evidential StrengthScore: 17/21commentary
Detail & Specificity
3/3
Corroboration
2/3
Physical Evidence
1/3
Unpredictability
3/3
Perceptual Clarity
3/3
Timely Reporting
2/3
Witness Credibility
3/3

The account discusses a specific incident involving multiple witnesses and detailed observations, including descriptions of vehicles and actions taken after the sighting. However, the evidence remains circumstantial, lacking direct corroboration or physical evidence.

initial sightingunknown

Frank Costigan witnessed a bright object flying across the sky, illuminating the ground.

up in the sky just bright. It lit it was bright enough that it illuminated the ground.

object movementunknown

The object was observed traveling fast, slowing down, and then speeding up again before disappearing behind a hill.

it was bound to make noise.

military responseunknown

David Hayes observed dark vehicles with military personnel, suggesting a government response to the incident.

It seemed like it was some kind of surveillance vehicle.

aftermath investigationunknown

Witnesses reported helicopters arriving shortly after the object's crash, indicating a cleanup operation.

the crane picked up the oval-shaped object, still glowing, and flew away.

visualextraordinary
8/10

Bright object illuminating the ground

electromagneticextraordinary
7/10

Cell phone malfunction when trying to call 911

humanoid(few)
70%
DemeanorauthoritativeCommunicationnoneInteractionobservation
Sizesemi-trailer
Colorglowing
Luminosityself luminous
Soundnot stated
Movementhovering
Five Observables (1/5)
positive lift low observability hypersonic velocity trans medium travel instantaneous acceleration

Witnesses described an oval-shaped glowing object that was observed crashing and later being picked up by a helicopter.

What makes this encounter unique

The encounter involved multiple witnesses observing a glowing object and a military response, creating a sense of mystery and urgency.

✦ AI-extracted phenomenological analysis — verify against source testimony
2

Saw dark vehicles with military personnel after the UFO sighting.

David Hayes · First-Person

Encounter Context

Factual Details
2008-05-14early morningYear: 2008

near the riverbed in Needles

Needles, California, united_states

ruralriver
3 witnesses mentionedFrank CostiganMatt AdamsBob
Reported to authorities
Connected Events
Needles CrashMay 2008
Roswell Crash
Kingman Crash

Encounter Research Breakdown

Phenomenological Analysis
physical sightingCE11 entityhumanoid
Moderate Evidential StrengthScore: 14/21reported
Detail & Specificity
2/3
Corroboration
2/3
Physical Evidence
1/3
Unpredictability
3/3
Perceptual Clarity
3/3
Timely Reporting
1/3
Witness Credibility
2/3

The account provides a detailed narrative of a UAP crash and subsequent investigation, including multiple witnesses and descriptions of the object. However, the evidence lacks direct corroboration and relies on anecdotal reports, limiting its overall strength.

initial reports of a crashunknown

The experiencer discusses hearing about a mysterious crash and gathering information from witnesses.

we had been hearing bits and pieces about something that crashed uh on near the riverbed

chasing the men in blackunknown

The experiencer and a companion pursue vehicles believed to be associated with the crash.

we saw them go by us a failank of these vehicles traveling together

investigating the crash siteunknown

The experiencer describes searching for the crash site and speculating about the object.

we looked for any impact uh from something heavy

government responseunknown

The experiencer reflects on the rapid government response to the crash and the subsequent cover-up.

this was evidence sort of how quickly the government can respond when a crash occurs

visualextraordinary
7/10

Witnesses observed a turquoise light in the sky.

auditory
5/10

Expecting to hear a boom from the crash.

humanoid(few)
70%
DemeanormenacingCommunicationnoneInteractionobservation
Colorturquoise
Luminositynot stated
Soundnot stated
Movementfalling
Five Observables (0/5)
positive lift low observability hypersonic velocity trans medium travel instantaneous acceleration

Witnesses reported seeing a long cylindrical turquoise object that appeared to crash.

What makes this encounter unique

The encounter is unique due to the involvement of multiple witnesses and the immediate government response to the crash.

✦ AI-extracted phenomenological analysis — verify against source testimony
3

Saw the object crash and reported military helicopters arriving shortly after.

Bob on the River · First-Person

Encounter Context

Factual Details

Colorado River south of Needles

Bullhead City, California, united_states

ruralriverbank
2 witnesses mentionedBob on the RiverBrad Allen
Reported to authorities
Connected Events
Roswell incident
Project Moondust

Encounter Research Breakdown

Phenomenological Analysis
physical sightingCE11 entityunknown
Moderate Evidential StrengthScore: 15/21reported
Detail & Specificity
3/3
Corroboration
2/3
Physical Evidence
1/3
Unpredictability
3/3
Perceptual Clarity
3/3
Timely Reporting
1/3
Witness Credibility
2/3

The account includes multiple witnesses and a detailed description of the event, including the object's behavior and the response from military helicopters. However, the lack of corroborating evidence and the ambiguous nature of the object limits the overall evidential strength.

initial sightingunknown

The witness observed a large glowing cylinder descending from the sky, which appeared to crash into the riverbank.

It looked like a plane crashing.

impact and aftermathunknown

The object impacted the riverbank, creating a thump sound, followed by military helicopters arriving at the scene.

It hit and it thumped. It didn't crash. It didn't explode. It went poof.

military responseunknown

Military helicopters were observed circling the area and retrieving the object.

One kept its light on me. One kept its light on the front of my boat.

visualextraordinary
8/10

Witness saw a large glowing cylinder and military helicopters

auditory
5/10

Heard the thump of the object hitting the riverbank

?
unknown(single)
80%
Demeanornot statedCommunicationnoneInteractionobservation

Appearance: large glowing cylinder

Colorglowing
Luminosityself luminous
Soundnot stated
Movementdescending, impact
Five Observables (0/5)
positive lift low observability hypersonic velocity trans medium travel instantaneous acceleration

A large glowing cylinder was observed descending rapidly before impacting the riverbank.

What makes this encounter unique

The encounter involved a glowing cylinder impacting the river, followed by a rapid military response, which adds a layer of intrigue and secrecy to the event.

✦ AI-extracted phenomenological analysis — verify against source testimony
4

Witnessed the object crash into the riverbank and military helicopters responding.

Unnamed Fisherman · First-Person

Encounter Context

Factual Details
2008-05-01Year: 2008

roadside near Laughlin

Laughlin, Nevada, united_states

ruraldesert
3 witnesses mentionedGeorge KnappDarwin MorganFrank Costigan
Reported to authorities
Connected Events
Men in Black sightingsMay 2008

Encounter Research Breakdown

Phenomenological Analysis
close encounterCE21 entityhumanoid
Moderate Evidential StrengthScore: 16/21first person
Detail & Specificity
3/3
Corroboration
2/3
Physical Evidence
1/3
Unpredictability
3/3
Perceptual Clarity
3/3
Timely Reporting
1/3
Witness Credibility
3/3

The account provides a detailed first-person narrative of an encounter with individuals claiming to be federal agents associated with the Department of Energy. The witness describes multiple vehicles, interactions with security personnel, and the context of the encounter, which adds to its credibility. However, the lack of corroboration from independent witnesses or physical evidence limits the overall evidential strength.

initial encounter with convoyminutes

The experiencer and a companion observed a convoy of vehicles that appeared to be associated with federal agents, leading to a tense interaction.

We see one of the vehicles that was described in the earlier package leading this convoy

Interaction with Security Personnelminutes

The experiencer confronted a security guard who warned them to leave, revealing their identity as federal agents.

He gives me an order. Hey, get away. Get the hell out of here.

reflection on the encounterunknown

After the encounter, the experiencer received a call warning them about the potential danger of the federal agents they had encountered.

You are so lucky. You could have been killed.

visual
6/10

Observed a convoy of vehicles with darkened windows and military personnel

auditory
5/10

Heard commands from the security personnel

humanoid(few)
80%
DemeanorauthoritativeCommunicationverbalInteractionwarning

Appearance: military bearing, close-cropped hair, civilian clothes

Message: instructed to leave the area

Hey, get away. Get the hell out of here.

What makes this encounter unique

The encounter involved a tense interaction with federal agents suspected of transporting nuclear materials, highlighting the potential danger of the situation.

✦ AI-extracted phenomenological analysis — verify against source testimony
5

Saw the object through binoculars and described it as a green object.

Brad Allen · First-Person

Encounter Context

Factual Details

Nevada Test Site

Las Vegas, Nevada, united_states

Connected Encounters (1)
Los Alamos
2 witnesses mentionedMike FlynnGeorge Knap

Encounter Research Breakdown

Phenomenological Analysis
not statednot_statedDuration: not_stated
Low Evidential StrengthScore: 10/21commentary
Detail & Specificity
2/3
Corroboration
1/3
Physical Evidence
1/3
Unpredictability
2/3
Perceptual Clarity
1/3
Timely Reporting
1/3
Witness Credibility
2/3

The transcript primarily discusses the operations of a transportation unit and includes anecdotal references to potential UAP-related activities without presenting a specific first-person encounter. The claims lack detailed evidence and corroboration, resulting in a low score.

The analysis found no relevant content for this section.

The analysis found no relevant content for this section.

The analysis found no relevant content for this section.

What makes this encounter unique

The transcript discusses a government agency's operations without any direct UAP encounter or phenomenological experience.

✦ AI-extracted phenomenological analysis — verify against source testimony

Have you had a similar experience?

Many people have reported encounters they struggle to explain. You are not alone. Project Profound collects and analyzes these accounts to advance understanding.

Talk about it with AI →

Analysis Summary

Program Intel Profile
documentaryTopic: historical caseIntel Value: 8/10
1

Frank Costigan

First-Person

Contact Experience Triad

Hynek: CE1
2

David Hayes

First-Person

Contact Experience Triad

Hynek: CE1
3

Bob on the River

First-Person

Contact Experience Triad

Hynek: CE1
4

Unnamed Fisherman

First-Person

Contact Experience Triad

Hynek: CE2
5

Brad Allen

First-Person

Contact Experience Triad

Hynek: not_stated