Electron density fluctuations were measured with rocket borne nose-tip probes launched on August 19, 1994 at 12:08 LT and August 24, 1994 at 10:39 LT from Alca⁁ntara, Brazil (2.3 ¿S, 44.4 ¿W) during the MALTED/Guar¿ campaign. The spectral analysis of the fluctuations shows evidence for neutral turbulence in the region of 85 to 90 km for both flights. Falling spheres launched 44 and 13 minutes prior to the main payloads indicate superadiabatic lapse rates in this height region. Also for the two flights, the electron density fluctuations between 90 and 110 km are dominated by the equatorial electrojet which has been observed simultaneously by the 50-MHz CUPRI VHF radar. The in situ data show significant plasma irregularities associated with the electrojet at altitudes well below those that return detectable radar echoes, and where they can interfere with the fluctuations attributed to neutral turbulence.¿ 1997 American Geophysical Union