Kenneth Arnold
Private Pilot — First Modern 'Flying Saucer' Witness
Credibility: 8.5/10
On June 24, 1947, private pilot Kenneth Arnold spotted 9 disc-shaped objects near Mount Rainier, Washington — at an estimated speed of 1,900 km/h. His report coined the term 'Flying Saucer'. Three days later, at Raymond Palmer's request, he investigated the Maury Island incident. Arnold maintained his account until his death in 1984.
Key Statements
- June 24, 1947: 9 disc-shaped objects near Mount Rainier, WA — speed ~1,200 mph
- Coined the term 'Flying Saucer' through his description of their movement
- Investigated Maury Island at Raymond Palmer's (Amazing Stories) request
- Described the debris material as 'mundane and inconsistent' with Dahl's description
- Contacted Military Intelligence — Lt. Frank Brown and Capt. Davidson arrived
- Maintained his Mount Rainier sighting account until his death in 1984
Sources