Retired Air Force General Disappears, Foul Play Suspected

Investigative journalist Ross Coulthart speculates that William Neil McCasland's specialized military knowledge may be behind his mysterious disappearance.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:21am

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Retired Air Force Major General William Neil McCasland, who had knowledge of military secrets including UFOs, went missing on February 27 from his Albuquerque, New Mexico home. Investigative journalist Ross Coulthart suggests the possibility of "foul play" given McCasland's sensitive background, including his work with particle beam technology at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

Why it matters

McCasland's disappearance raises concerns about the security of sensitive military intelligence, especially related to unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and potential non-human technology. His specialized knowledge could make him a target for those seeking access to classified information.

The details

The 68-year-old McCasland was last seen by a repairman at his home, and was gone by the time his wife returned an hour later. His phone, wearable device, and firearm were missing, but his backpack was left behind. Authorities believe he went hiking, but his disappearance has fueled speculation about his military background and involvement with classified programs.

  • On February 27, 2026, William Neil McCasland went missing from his Albuquerque, New Mexico home.
  • McCasland was the head of research at Wright Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio during his Air Force career.

The players

William Neil McCasland

A retired Air Force major general with knowledge of military secrets, including UFOs and particle beam technology.

Ross Coulthart

An investigative journalist who speculates that foul play may be behind McCasland's disappearance due to his sensitive background.

Susan McCasland Wilkerson

The wife of William Neil McCasland, who has sought to tamp down some of the speculation surrounding her husband's disappearance.

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What they’re saying

“We have to ask, now, (about) the possibility of foul play — is there somebody who has interceded to take the general out of the picture?”

— Ross Coulthart, Investigative Journalist

“He was a man with some of the most sensitive U.S. military intelligence secrets in his head, especially particle beam technology.”

— Ross Coulthart, Investigative Journalist

What’s next

Authorities continue to investigate McCasland's disappearance, with a focus on his military background and potential connections to classified programs.

The takeaway

The disappearance of a retired general with knowledge of sensitive military technology and UFO-related intelligence raises concerns about the security of classified information and the potential risks faced by those with access to such knowledge.