The mysterious Norman crater in Brix

Summary

In October 1989, a farmer in Normandy discovered a strange burned area in his meadow. The irregular-shaped mark measured nearly 17 meters long and 4 meters at its widest point. The soil was black, devoid of vegetation, and sank 10 to 15 cm below the surrounding ground. A witness reported to the authorities that his dog behaved unusually during the night and that he saw a large light beam above the field. Analysis showed the soil was burned 2 to 3 cm deep and contained traces of kerosene. This suggested that an aircraft might have spilled fuel, which later ignited when passing through a high-voltage line. The presence of sparks and a large blue flame, typical of hydrocarbon combustion, supported this theory.

Despite evidence and testimonies, the case was classified as a conventional fire. However, the unusual elements — such as the nighttime light, the dog's behavior, and the presence of kerosene — add an air of mystery to the event. The investigation, carried out by the SEPRA, did not rule out the possibility of a non-conventional phenomenon, though it was officially closed without a definitive explanation.