On the evening of December 29, 1980, Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and Vickie's 7-year-old grandson, Colby Landrum, encountered a large, diamond-shaped object hovering over a rural road near Dayton, Texas. The object emitted intense heat and light, causing severe physical symptoms consistent with radiation exposure in all three witnesses, particularly Betty Cash.1 The incident is one of the most controversial and well-documented UFO cases, notable for the alleged involvement of military helicopters and the subsequent legal battle against the U.S. government.2
The Encounter
While driving home, the trio observed a brilliant, diamond-shaped object, described as expelling flames from its base and producing a loud, jet-engine-like noise, hovering at treetop level.3 Betty Cash stopped her car, and she and Vickie Landrum exited the vehicle to observe the object. The heat emanating from the craft was so intense that they had difficulty touching the car's dashboard and exterior, and Vickie Landrum reportedly left a handprint on the softened vinyl dashboard.4 As they watched, a formation of military-style helicopters, estimated to be as many as 23, appeared and seemed to escort or chase the diamond-shaped craft. Some witnesses identified these as tandem-rotor Boeing CH-47 Chinooks.5
Health Effects and Aftermath
Immediately following the encounter, all three individuals began suffering from severe physical symptoms. Betty Cash experienced the most severe effects, including severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, large blisters on her skin, and significant hair loss, consistent with radiation exposure. She was hospitalized multiple times.6 Vickie Landrum and Colby also experienced milder but debilitating symptoms, such as burns, skin sores, and lingering weakness. A radiologist who examined the group concluded they were suffering from secondary damage from ionizing radiation.7 The witnesses sought explanations from government agencies, believing the military involvement indicated official knowledge of the event, and later filed a $20 million lawsuit against the U.S. government. However, despite their persistent efforts, officials consistently denied any knowledge of the event or the presence of military helicopters in the area, and the case was ultimately dismissed in 1986 due to insufficient evidence.8