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FBI FOIPA 1490770-000: American Airlines Flight 2292

Federal Bureau of Investigation (released to W. R. Puckett, 7 June 2021) · 2021-06-07

FBI FOIPA 1490770-000: American Airlines Flight 2292 · 8 pages · PDF 0.6 MB

US federal government record (FBI, FOIPA release). Public domain; hosted here so it can be read and searched. Original source ↗

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Page 1

U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
 Washington, D.C. 20535

 June 7, 2021

MR. WILLIAM ROSS PUCKETT
POST OFFICE BOX 4926
HELENA, MT 59604-4926

FOIPA Request No.: 1490770-000
Subject: American Airlines Flight 2292

Dear Mr. Puckett:

The enclosed documents were reviewed under the Freedom of Information/Privacy Acts (FOIPA), Title 5,
United States Code, Section 552/552a.  Below you will find check boxes under the appropriate statute headings
which indicate the types of exemptions asserted to protect information which is exempt from disclosure.  The
appropriate exemptions are noted on the enclosed pages next to redacted information.  In addition, a deleted page
information sheet was inserted to indicate where pages were withheld entirely and identify which exemptions were
applied.  The checked exemption boxes used to withhold information are further explained in the enclosed
Explanation of Exemptions.


Section 552

Section 552a
(b)(1)
(b)(7)(A)

(d)(5)
(b)(2)
(b)(7)(B)

(j)(2)
(b)(3)

(b)(7)(C)

(k)(1)


(b)(7)(D)

(k)(2)

(b)(7)(E)

(k)(3)

(b)(7)(F)

(k)(4)
(b)(4)

(b)(8)


(k)(5)

(b)(5)
(b)(9)

(k)(6)
(b)(6)


(k)(7)


4 page(s) were reviewed and 4 page(s) are being released.

Please see the paragraphs below for relevant information specific to your request as well as the enclosed
FBI FOIPA Addendum for standard responses applicable to all requests.

 Document(s) were located which originated with, or contained information concerning, other
Government Agency (ies) [OGA].

 This information has been referred to the OGA(s) for review and direct response to you.
 We are consulting with another agency.  The FBI will correspond with you regarding this information
when the consultation is completed.

Please refer to the enclosed FBI FOIPA Addendum for additional standard responses applicable to your
request.  “Part 1” of the Addendum includes standard responses that apply to all requests.  “Part 2” includes
additional standard responses that apply to all requests for records about yourself or any third party individuals.
“Part 3” includes general information about FBI records that you may find useful.  Also enclosed is our Explanation
of Exemptions.

Page 2

For questions regarding our determinations, visit the www.fbi.gov/foia website under “Contact Us.”
The FOIPA Request Number listed above has been assigned to your request. Please use this number in all
correspondence concerning your request.

If you are not satisfied with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s determination in response to this request,
you may administratively appeal by writing to the Director, Office of Information Policy (OIP), United States
Department of Justice, 441 G Street, NW, 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20530, or you may submit an appeal through
OIP's FOIA STAR portal by creating an account following the instructions on OIP’s website:
https://www.justice.gov/oip/submit-and-track-request-or-appeal. Your appeal must be postmarked or electronically
transmitted within ninety (90) days of the date of my response to your request. If you submit your appeal by mail,
both the letter and the envelope should be clearly marked "Freedom of Information Act Appeal." Please cite the
FOIPA Request Number assigned to your request so it may be easily identified.

You may seek dispute resolution services by contacting the Office of Government Information Services
(OGIS). The contact information for OGIS is as follows: Office of Government Information Services, National
Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road-OGIS, College Park, Maryland 20740-6001, e-mail at
[email protected]; telephone at 202-741-5770; toll free at 1-877-684-6448; or facsimile at 202-741-5769. Alternatively,
you may contact the FBI’s FOIA Public Liaison by emailing [email protected]. If you submit your dispute
resolution correspondence by email, the subject heading should clearly state “Dispute Resolution Services.” Please
also cite the FOIPA Request Number assigned to your request so it may be easily identified.

See additional information which follows.

The enclosed documents represent the final release of information responsive to your Freedom of
Information/Privacy Acts (FOIPA) request.

This material is being provided to you at no charge.

Sincerely,

Michael G. Seidel
Section Chief
Record/Information
Dissemination Section
Information Management Division

Enclosure(s)

Page 3

FBI FOIPA Addendum
As referenced in our letter responding to your Freedom of Information/Privacy Acts (FOIPA) request, the FBI FOIPA Addendum
provides information applicable to your request.  Part 1 of the Addendum includes standard responses that apply to all
requests.  Part 2 includes standard responses that apply to requests for records about individuals to the extent your request
seeks the listed information.  Part 3 includes general information about FBI records, searches, and programs.
Part 1: The standard responses below apply to all requests:

(i)
5 U.S.C. § 552(c).  Congress excluded three categories of law enforcement and national security records from the
requirements of the FOIPA [5 U.S.C. § 552(c)].  FBI responses are limited to those records subject to the requirements
of the FOIPA.  Additional information about the FBI and the FOIPA can be found on the www.fbi.gov/foia website.

(ii)
Intelligence Records.  To the extent your request seeks records of intelligence sources, methods, or activities, the FBI
can neither confirm nor deny the existence of records pursuant to FOIA exemptions (b)(1), (b)(3), and as applicable to
requests for records about individuals, PA exemption (j)(2) [5 U.S.C. §§ 552/552a (b)(1), (b)(3), and (j)(2)].  The mere
acknowledgment of the existence or nonexistence of such records is itself a classified fact protected by FOIA exemption
(b)(1) and/or would reveal intelligence sources, methods, or activities protected by exemption (b)(3) [50 USC §
3024(i)(1)].  This is a standard response and should not be read to indicate that any such records do or do not exist.

Part 2: The standard responses below apply to all requests for records on individuals:

(i)
Requests for Records about any Individual—Watch Lists.  The FBI can neither confirm nor deny the existence of
any individual’s name on a watch list pursuant to FOIA exemption (b)(7)(E) and PA exemption (j)(2) [5 U.S.C. §§
552/552a (b)(7)(E), (j)(2)].  This is a standard response and should not be read to indicate that watch list records do or
do not exist.

(ii)
Requests for Records about any Individual—Witness Security Program Records.  The FBI can neither confirm
nor deny the existence of records which could identify any participant in the Witness Security Program pursuant to FOIA
exemption (b)(3) and PA exemption (j)(2) [5 U.S.C. §§ 552/552a (b)(3), 18 U.S.C. 3521, and (j)(2)].  This is a standard
response and should not be read to indicate that such records do or do not exist.

(iii)
Requests for Records for Incarcerated Individuals.  The FBI can neither confirm nor deny the existence of records
which could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any incarcerated individual pursuant to
FOIA exemptions (b)(7)(E), (b)(7)(F), and PA exemption (j)(2) [5 U.S.C. §§ 552/552a (b)(7)(E), (b)(7)(F), and (j)(2)].
This is a standard response and should not be read to indicate that such records do or do not exist.

Part 3: General Information:

(i)
Record Searches.  The Record/Information Dissemination Section (RIDS) searches for reasonably described records by
searching systems or locations where responsive records would reasonably be found.  A standard search normally
consists of a search for main files in the Central Records System (CRS), an extensive system of records consisting of
applicant, investigative, intelligence, personnel, administrative, and general files compiled by the FBI per its law
enforcement, intelligence, and administrative functions.  The CRS spans the entire FBI organization, comprising records of
FBI Headquarters, FBI Field Offices, and FBI Legal Attaché Offices (Legats) worldwide; Electronic Surveillance (ELSUR)
records are included in the CRS.  Unless specifically requested, a standard search does not include references,
administrative records of previous FOIPA requests, or civil litigation files.  For additional information about our record
searches, visit www.fbi.gov/services/information-management/foipa/requesting-fbi-records.

(ii)
FBI Records.  Founded in 1908, the FBI carries out a dual law enforcement and national security mission.  As part of this
dual mission, the FBI creates and maintains records on various subjects; however, the FBI does not maintain records on
every person, subject, or entity.

(iii)
Requests for Criminal History Records or Rap Sheets.  The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division
provides Identity History Summary Checks – often referred to as a criminal history record or rap sheet.  These criminal
history records are not the same as material in an investigative “FBI file.”  An Identity History Summary Check is a
listing of information taken from fingerprint cards and documents submitted to the FBI in connection with arrests, federal
employment, naturalization, or military service.  For a fee, individuals can request a copy of their Identity History
Summary Check.  Forms and directions can be accessed at www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks.
Additionally, requests can be submitted electronically at www.edo.cjis.gov.  For additional information, please contact
CJIS directly at (304) 625-5590.

(iv)
National Name Check Program (NNCP).  The mission of NNCP is to analyze and report information in response to name
check requests received from federal agencies, for the purpose of protecting the United States from foreign and domestic
threats to national security.  Please be advised that this is a service provided to other federal agencies.  Private Citizens
cannot request a name check.

Page 4

EXPLANATION OF EXEMPTIONS

SUBSECTIONS OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, SECTION 552

(b)(1)
(A) specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign
policy and (B) are in fact properly classified to such Executive order;

(b)(2)
related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency;

(b)(3)
specifically exempted from disclosure by statute (other than section 552b of this title), provided that such statute (A) requires that the matters
be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on issue, or (B) establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers
to particular types of matters to be withheld;

(b)(4)
trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential;

(b)(5)
inter-agency or intra-agency memorandums or letters which would not be available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation with
the agency;

(b)(6)
personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal  privacy;

(b)(7)
records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that the production of such law enforcement records or
information ( A ) could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings, ( B ) would deprive a person of a right to a fair
trial or an impartial adjudication, ( C ) could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal  privacy, ( D ) could
reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of confidential source, including a State, local, or foreign agency or authority or any private
institution which furnished information on a confidential basis, and, in the case of record or information compiled by a criminal law
enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation, or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence
investigation, information furnished by a confidential source, ( E ) would disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement
investigations or prosecutions, or would disclose guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such disclosure could
reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law, or ( F ) could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any
individual;

(b)(8)
contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of an agency responsible for
the regulation or supervision of financial institutions; or

(b)(9)
geological and geophysical information and data, including maps, concerning wells.

SUBSECTIONS OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, SECTION 552a

(d)(5)
information compiled in reasonable anticipation of a civil action proceeding;

(j)(2)
material reporting investigative efforts pertaining to the enforcement of criminal law including efforts to prevent, control,  or reduce crime
or apprehend criminals;

(k)(1)
information which is currently and properly classified pursuant to an Executive order in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy,
for example, information involving intelligence sources or methods;

(k)(2)
investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes, other than criminal, which did not result in loss of a right, benefit or privilege
under Federal programs, or which would identify a source who furnished information pursuant to a promise that his/her identity would be
held in confidence;

(k)(3)
material maintained in connection with providing protective services to the President of the United States or any other individual pursuant to
the authority of Title 18, United States Code, Section 3056;

(k)(4)
required by statute to be maintained and used solely as statistical records;

(k)(5)
investigatory material compiled solely for the purpose of determining suitability, eligibility, or qualifications for Federal civilian
employment or for access to classified information, the disclosure of which would reveal the identity of the person who furnished
information pursuant to a promise that his/her identity would be held in confidence;

(k)(6)
testing or examination material used to determine individual qualifications for appointment or promotion in Federal Government service the
release of which would compromise the testing or examination process;

(k)(7)
material used to determine potential for promotion in the armed services, the disclosure of which would reveal the identity of the person who
furnished the material pursuant to a promise that his/her identity would be held in confidence.
FBI/DOJ

Page 5

FD-1036 (Rev. 10-16-2009)
r-NCLASSIFIED/ 7FOü0---
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Import Form
AM--SEE
Form Type :
Title: U American Airlines
Approved By :
Drafted By:
Date :
03/02/2021
Flight
2292
on 02/21/2021
Case ID #:
S no sis:
U DOCUMENT SYNOPSIS CREATED ON 03-02-2021 11:45
FOR CURRENT ASSESSMENT DATA.
On 02/23/2021, Public Affairs Specialist
notified
Writer that he received information on the following flight:
American Airlines flight 2292, an Airbus A 320, flying from Cincinnati to
Phoenix on 02/21/2021, had a bizarre close encounter with what the crew
described as a "long cylindrical object that almost looked like a cruise
missile" moving extremely fast over the top of their aircraft as it
cruised along at 36, 000 feet at 400 knots. The incident occurred over the
remote northwest corner of New Mexico, to the west of the town of Des
Moines [located east of Raton] . American Airlines is instructing
reporters to contact FBI AQ.
Writer has received inquiries from PX Division and
r-NCLASSIFIED/ /F€.U.Q
b7E
b7E
b7C
b7E
b7C
b7E
b7E

Page 6

UNCLASSIFIED/F-ee•e-
Generated: 03/02/2021 11:45 AM EST
American Airlines Flight 2292 on 02/21/2021
Unknown
Unknown
Status:. Closed(om 03/0212021)i
Does
notified Writer that he received
(U) On 02/23/2021, Public Affairs Specialis
information on the following flight:
American Airlines flight 2292, an Airbus A320, flying from Cincinnati to Phoenix on 02/21/2021 ,
had a bizarre close encounter with what the crew described as a "long cylindrical object that
almost looked like a cruise missile" moving extremely fast over the top of their aircraft as it
cruised along at 36,000 feet at 400 knots. The incident occurred over the remote northwest
corner of New Mexico, to the west of the town of Des Moines [located east of Raton]. American
Airlines is instructing reporters to contact FBI AQ.
Writer has received inquiries from PX Division and
b7E
b7E
b7C
b7E
(U) FAA
AuthorÉzed
Administrafive note for intormationa\ purposes.
Qn 02/24/202 •E, VVüiter ;eached out to the FAA office in Aibuque:-que. he FAA is currently
the that have the The
systems if any the
2292 at the the in the
1

Page 7

UNCLASSIFIEDHF•eee--
Status:
Campieted
07.9.6.
Adtninistrative note for infQüYiatiD(Ea3 pu:pcses.
Di) 02!24/302.15 to S
LAC for P.K Division; as they
received repo:ting on AA flt 22.92 V\jrÉter interided coordinate •uvith (Mhei' FBÉ entities
that tnay be with irwestigaiing this incident. VViitei' reached Qi.}t to G
provided the contac
(nay be contacted a
O(.€npieied
(u) AA Atiæmpt to Contact
A corporate seciffity. AA Corp Set Office
Administratve note for informationa\ purposes.
As AA pi\ots •v,jere the reporting party short. comp\aÉnants concernin
to make contact with AA Corp Sec
nd
02/24/202 i
AuthorÉzed
04 _
History:
02i2Si202
'riter make adü±üona at env s o maxe con act with
with AA should these attempts faü.
Oonv*eted
contact VVith Lee Animas Sharffß Office
or the
Qn February 25. 202 i at approximate\y 10:20 A.M. Specei Agen
poke t
•evho works tor Las Animas Sheriffs Off:ce Dispatch. He advised no repo s were made in
regards to ob}ec.ts descending
contact S,
repogs are
- obiects that had crashed in the
at the .AÉåuquerque F8E FieEd Otfice if tuture
(U*+9-Contact YVäth Union Sheriff's Office
interview request from members the pubäü-: and pffvate enfifies.
Qn 202•i at approxÉrnate\y 10:30 A.M. Speciaf
poke t
who tor Union Sheriffs Office Dispatch. She advÉseci no repo s were made regards
contact S.
tepoäR areo ane<.
Compieted
-.cts that had crashed Én the are
the Ahuquerque FRE FieEci OttÉce if tütvre
b7C
b7E
b7C
b7C
b7E
b7C
b7C
b7E
b7C
b7C
b7E
b7C
b7C
b7E
2.56.24
Contact with Cokfax Sheriffs Office
Qt request intorrt:atioti fram rnembers Di the and private etifjfjes.
Metha«:
2

Page 8

UNCLASSIFIED/7Füü•O
on February 25.
at a )raxmateiy 1: 5 A.M the Coffe.x County SherÉffis Oitic.e
contacted Agen
teEephone. and repatf3 were roede in
regaids Qbiects descending from tne sky, that. had (.'tashed the area The
CQfax Caunty Sheriff's Office tontai.•t. the Office f any new or
signtings are obtained
Campieted
Status:
been
Locar
• Gi .27.\5
(Li) Disposition
D iapusitÉpn:
.35.OO AM
.44:53 AM
Contact 05.7K*
er consu a WE
Counsel it was the FBi does not have
to this matter. this matter
is being cEosed for \ntormation Huwever, additional
intormatÉon presents itse\t (within the scope of FBCS tederaÉ
jurisdiction), the FBi couEd re-open this assessment and perform
any invest:gative actions deemed necessaty to have a successful
resoÉution.
Does not •evith:n the Fai's *urisdictiun
An v oif
b7C
b7C
b7E
b7E
b7C
b7E
h-:cident
assigned for
k$ir;rmation Or-;W
3
Assigned By
Assigned To
Assigned By
Assigned To
Assigned By
Assigned To
Assigned By
Assigned To
Assigned By
Assigned To

Record

Author / institution: Federal Bureau of Investigation (released to W. R. Puckett, 7 June 2021)
Date: 2021-06-07
Source type: Government FOIA release
Used for: The FBI's release on AA2292: cover letter, FOIPA addendum and the released pages. Hosted on this site.
Limitations: Released pages are image-only and redacted in part.

Link

https://www.theblackvault.com/documentarchive/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/AA2292-WilliamPuckett.pdf