First results of comprehensive observations of magnetic and electric fields, and ambient and suprathermal plasmas above the dayside auroral oval with rocket-borne instrumentation which penetrated the cleft region are reported. Measurements were also obtained equatorward and poleward of the cleft. Convection velocities as inferred from electric field measurements were generally toward noon equatorward of the cleft and were antisunward over the plar cap. Our observations of electron temperatures, electric fields and low-frequency electrostatic noise provide strong evidence of a plasma instability (Farley-Buneman) in the E-layer, which is associated with the appearance of the 'slant E condition' identified in ground-acquired ionograms. The positions of these measurements relative to that of the cleft were firmly established via the determination of the plasma environment with an electrostic analyzer.