1950 El Indio-Guerrero Crash

On December 6, 1950, an alleged UFO crash occurred near the El Indio-Guerrero area along the Texas-Mexico border, about 75 miles south of Del Rio, Texas. A disputed document, known as the Eisenhower Briefing Document, dated November 18, 1952, and attributed to Rear Adm. Roscoe Hillenkoetter, claims a UFO impacted the earth at high speed after a long atmospheric trajectory. By the time a search team arrived, the object was nearly incinerated, with remnants sent to the Atomic Energy Commission’s Sandia facility in New Mexico for analysis.

The document, which surfaced in 1984, remains controversial, with some researchers defending its authenticity and others labeling it a hoax or disinformation. No physical evidence or contemporary witnesses confirm the crash, but its inclusion alongside the 1947 Roswell Incident in the document has kept speculation alive. From 1990 to 1994, researchers Dennis Stacy and Tom Deuley investigated the site near El Indio, Texas, and Guerrero, Mexico, but found no conclusive evidence, noting the area’s obscurity as an unlikely choice for a fabricated story.

The crash’s proximity to the Rio Grande and its timing during the early Cold War, when fears of Soviet incursions were rampant, provide context. Eyewitnesses described a “flight” of 40 unidentified objects at 32,000 feet, moving at extraordinary speeds, with one craft falling out of formation and crashing in the desert. The military’s rapid response suggests a classified operation, though no official records have emerged.

1955 Del Rio Crash

In 1955, Air Force pilot Robert Willingham, a decorated WWII and Korean War veteran, claimed he witnessed a UFO crash near Del Rio, Texas, while piloting an F-86 jet. According to the book The Other Roswell by Noe Torres and Ruben Uriarte, Willingham saw an object, bright as a star, streak past at 2,000 mph, perform a 90-degree turn, and crash into a sandy hill near the Rio Grande, close to Langtry, Texas. He later returned in a civilian aircraft, landing near the site, where he observed a silver UFO guarded by Mexican military personnel until U.S. forces arrived.

Willingham reported the incident to the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), claiming he lost his military pension for speaking out. His 2008 interview detailed the event, though he later wavered on the exact year. Critics highlight inconsistencies, such as the lack of radar logs or official reports, and question the presence of Mexican troops on U.S. soil. The crash site’s proximity to Judge Roy Bean’s historic saloon in Langtry adds a cultural footnote, but no wreckage or documents have surfaced.

The story gained traction through the Del Rio UFO Festival, organized by Torres and Uriarte, which celebrates local UFO lore. New witnesses have emerged via the festival, but none provide verifiable evidence. Willingham’s credibility as a pilot sustains the narrative, though skeptics suggest his account may be exaggerated or conflated with other incidents.

Evidence and Investigations

Both Del Rio crashes lack physical evidence, relying on eyewitness accounts and a disputed document. The 1950 crash, mentioned in the Eisenhower Briefing Document, has no confirmed artifacts or witnesses beyond its text. Investigations by Stacy and Deuley in the 1990s found no crash site evidence near El Indio or Guerrero, and the document’s authenticity is debated, with some suggesting it was a U.S. intelligence fabrication.

The 1955 crash hinges on Willingham’s testimony, supported by a 1979 statement from William Draeger, who referenced a retired Colonel (likely Willingham) noting Mexican troops at the site. A Mexican Army General later denied knowledge of such an event. Recent online discussions confuse the 1950 and 1955 incidents, blending details, while some researchers cite the MJ-12 documents, which mention the 1950 crash, as partial evidence, though these documents are widely disputed.

The absence of radar data, wreckage, or declassified records undermines both cases. Supporters argue military cover-ups explain the lack of evidence, pointing to the rapid response described in both incidents. Skeptics emphasize the speculative nature of the accounts and the questionable origins of the MJ-12 documents, leaving the crashes unverified but intriguing.

Community Analysis

The Del Rio crashes have become a niche but enduring part of ufology, popularized by The Other Roswell and the Del Rio UFO Festival, which blends research with public engagement through lectures and events. The festival has uncovered new witness accounts, though none are substantiated. Online communities, including social media platforms, discuss the crashes, often linking them to Roswell or the MJ-12 documents, with debates over their authenticity persisting.

The crashes’ obscurity compared to Roswell makes them compelling for enthusiasts seeking lesser-known cases. Their Cold War setting, with fears of alien or Soviet technology, adds plausibility for believers, while skeptics argue the stories are anecdotal, possibly inspired by Roswell’s fame. Community analysis examines related UFO imagery, though no Del Rio-specific footage exists, and efforts focus on narrative consistency and historical context.

The crashes have inspired books, podcasts, and videos, maintaining interest in local UFO history. Their lack of commercial exploitation, unlike Roswell, lends credibility for some, but the absence of tangible evidence fuels skepticism. The Del Rio narrative remains a vibrant topic for UFO enthusiasts even today in 2025.

Historical Context and Legacy

The 1950s Del Rio crashes occurred during the Cold War, a period of frequent UFO sightings and military investigations via Project Blue Book. The 1950 crash’s mention in the Eisenhower Briefing Document suggests a high-level cover-up, if authentic, while the 1955 crash aligns with pilot encounters common in the era. The 1950 incident’s “flight of 40 objects” at 32,000 feet mirrors other sightings, like the 1952 Washington, D.C., wave, while Willingham’s account reflects rapid military responses to secure crash sites.

The involvement of Mexican troops in 1955, though unconfirmed, evokes cross-border tensions of the time. The crashes’ legacy endures through UFO festivals and online discussions, with believers citing Willingham’s military background and the MJ-12 document as evidence. Skeptics highlight inconsistent timelines and the lack of artifacts or official records, questioning the stories’ validity.