Frederick Valentich, 20 years old, a pilot with limited experience and a passion for aviation.
On October 21, 1978, at 6:19 p.m., he took off on a training flight to King Island. The weather was calm and there were no anomalies for the first few minutes of the flight. However, at 7:06 p.m., Frederick contacted the Melbourne control tower to report the presence of an unknown aircraft that was apparently being followed. Frederick described the object as large, with bright lights, and moving at high speed. He also mentioned that the object did not appear to be an airplane and that it seemed to be playing, passing quickly above and around him. When communication with Frederick was completely cut off at 7:12 p.m., only an unidentified metallic noise could be heard before the signal dropped. To date, no trace of Frederick or his plane has been found.
Wall of theories about Frederick's disappearance
Theory 1: It is believed that it may have been an OVNI encounter, because Frederick described it as an object with bright lights. This leads many to believe it was an alien abduction. OVNI sightings have been reported in that area over the years, and this theory has been reinforced during that time.
Theory 2: Many people believe that Frederick suffered from spatial disorientation, which is defined when pilots lose awareness of their altitude and direction. Those who support this theory imply that perhaps Frederick saw the reflection of lights in the water or perhaps a failure in his own plane.
Theory 3: Many believe it was a planned escape, but there is no evidence to support this theory.
Theory 4: It is also believed that he may have accidentally entered a military testing area and perhaps was intercepted by an unidentified aircraft, which may have led to his disappearance. Authorities deny any military activity in that area.
In 1980 a documentary was produced titled "THE DISAPPEARANCE OF FREDERICK VALENTICH" produced by Australian director James Fox. In 1982 the Australian Department of Transport marked Frederick's disappearance as unfinished, they found no trace of the plane or any evidence to show what happened, even many people are re-examining the case using new technology and analysis methods, and although there are many new theories the case still remains unsolved.