APRO Bulletin - 1978 10 00 - Vol 27 No 4

Magazine Overview

The APRO Bulletin, Vol. 27, No. 4, dated October 1978, is a publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. This issue focuses on the mysterious disappearance of Australian pilot Frederick Valentich and includes reports of UFO sightings and 'Bigfoot' encounters.

Australian Pilot Missing: Bass Strait - King Island Affair

This extensive report by Bill Chalker details the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich on Saturday night, October 21st, 1978. Valentich, 20, took off from Moorabbin Airport in a Cessna 182 aircraft, intending to fly to King Island. His reasons for the flight included picking up crayfish for the Air Training Corps and logging night flying time. He was an inexperienced night flier but held an instrument rating.

At 7:06 p.m., Valentich contacted Melbourne Flight Service, inquiring about traffic below 5,000 feet. He then reported seeing a large aircraft with four bright lights, passing about 1000 feet above him. He could not confirm the type of aircraft and asked if any RAAF aircraft were in the vicinity. When confirmed negative, he stated he could not identify the aircraft.

At 7:08 p.m., Valentich reported the object was approaching from the east and seemed to be playing a game, flying at an unestimatable speed. His altitude was 4500 ft. He confirmed again he could not identify the aircraft.

Three minutes later, his transmission broke, stating, "It's not an aircraft. It's..." When asked to describe it, he said it had a long shape, was coming for him, and seemed stationary while he was orbiting and it was orbiting on top of him. He described a green light and a metallic light on the outside. Valentich then reported the object had vanished.

Following a report of his engine rough-idling and coughing, Valentich stated his intention to proceed to King Island, noting an unknown aircraft hovering above him. Contact was lost after a "long metallic noise."

The Cessna failed to arrive at King Island at 7:28 p.m., initiating a search. An RAAF Orion aircraft participated in the search. The only significant finding was an oil slick approximately 18 miles north of King Island. Investigations into the oil slick and debris, including packing cases and plastic bags, were conducted.

Frederick Valentich was described as a competent pilot and a "believer" in UFOs. His father recalled him claiming to have seen a "brightly lit object" flying at tremendous speed months prior.

Theories and Discussion:

Speculation arose that the pilot may have become disoriented, or that the lights were reflections. However, the recorded conversation and the aircraft's capabilities made these explanations unlikely. Meteor activity was also suggested. The possibility of a hoax was not ruled out.

The incident was compared to the Kinross and Mantell cases, and the Coyne Ohio helicopter case. A previous single-engined plane disappearance in Bass Strait on December 24, 1969, was also noted.

If Valentich is found alive, speculation would center on three hypotheses: a genuine UFO sighting, severe disorientation, or a hoax. If wreckage is found and the pilot is dead, the matter may or may not be resolved.

A postscript dated 10/24/78 mentioned a report of a light plane making a mysterious landing in the western district near Cape Otway around the time of the alleged UFO encounter. Officials were pessimistic about finding the pilot alive. The possibility of a genuine UFO encounter or a remarkable hoax was considered significant.

Object Sighted, Confirmed by Radar (New York Sighting)

On Wednesday, April 5th, Dennis Kiteveles, a civilian aide Dispatcher in Baldwinsville, New York, witnessed a power outage. His brother reported seeing two bright white lights over a wooded area. Later, Dennis and his wife observed a large object, described as "like two plates put together at the rims," with red, blue, yellow, and green lights revolving around it.

Mr. Kiteveles estimated the object was at about a mile altitude and between 2,000 and 2,500 feet away. The object was heard to make a "whirring" or "buzzing" sound. A bright white light shot out from the object when an airplane passed beneath it, after which the object disappeared.

The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office was informed that an unidentified return registered on radar on the night of the sighting, though the Federal Aviation Agency later denied this when pressed by the media.

Separately, Mrs. Margaret Hargett and her son reported seeing an object with a "tail" and a propeller, and a blue light, which they presumed to be a helicopter. The Sheriff's office stated no helicopter was in the area. The object had red, yellow, blue, and green lights.

Bigfoot Encounters

This section addresses phenomena previously not covered due to a lack of connection with aerial phenomena. The Bulletin will now carry condensations of 'Bigfoot' cases.

Yakima, Washington: A member of the Yakima Indian Tribe reported encountering a seven-foot tall, hairy, upright animal near Logy Creek. The creature screeched and shook a sapling.

Vidor, Texas: Bobby and Beckie Bussinger reported strange occurrences at their home, including howling, yelping, and glimpses of a shaggy, muscular figure over six feet tall. One night, Bussinger confronted the figure, fired a shotgun, and barely made it back to the house. The sounds and clawing at the window continued.

Crossett, Arkansas: 10-year-old Mike Lofton reported seeing a creature approximately 7½ feet tall with long, beak-like claws. He fired a rifle at it, and the creature retreated into the woods.

Butler, Richland County, Ohio: Teenagers reported seeing a creature "seven to nine feet tall" with red, bulging eyes and a wide head.

Cattle Mutilations: The Kiteveles family reported losing six cattle in two years, considering the situation extremely serious and noting the high reward for catching those responsible.

Multiple Phenomena on Colorado Ranch

This section, Part Four of a report by John S. Derr and R. Leo Sprinkle, details UFO experiences on a Colorado ranch.

Box With Blinking Lights: Jim reported an incident where a law officer described seeing blinking lights in trees and a mysterious box. When the officer returned with backup, the box and trees were gone.

Black Box Makes Angry Sounds: A large burned spot on a hill was noted, where nothing grew for the first year. Jim and an older boy, Joe, investigated a buzzing box on the ground that made an angry sound like bees. The box disappeared when they approached.

Large Bird, Dog Notes Strange Scent: Jim described seeing a bird about three feet tall with three feather-like appendages on its head. Later, his dog reacted fearfully to something near the fence, exhibiting barking and growling, possibly indicating the presence of an unusual animal.

Buzzing Sound Comes into House: Jim reported seeing the outline of a man at his window. Later, a voice, described as computerized and terrifying, spoke in his head, stating, "Attention, we have allowed you to remain. We have interfered with your lives very little. Do not cause us to take action which you will regret. Your friends will be instructed to remain silent concerning us."

Huge, Cone-shaped UFO: Jim, Barbara, and Charlie reported seeing a massive, cone-shaped object, estimated to be hundreds of feet across.

Hairy Creature Mimicks Barbara: Barbara described seeing a creature that might have been carrying a box, assuming it was the "Bigfoot" animal.

Meteor Event: The group witnessed a meteorite explode and fall near the ranch, appearing to hit the ranch itself and flaring brightly, possibly due to magnesium.

Voice from the Stereo: Jim described an incident where lights went out, and a voice from the stereo delivered a warning about punitive action if they caused trouble. The voice was mechanical and terrifying.

CE IM: Jim requested to be removed from a promise, wanting to get an experience out of his mind.

Don't Trust Senses Unless Two or More See: Barbara emphasized the importance of corroboration, noting that power outages often accompanied sightings. She recounted an incident where a cow trapped in a corral was mistaken for something more sinister.

Letters

Peter G. Sorrenti of Palatine, Illinois, writes in response to the April 1978 issue, praising the articles for their realistic and factual approach to UFO phenomena. He agrees with the "debunking" of Dr. Allen Hynek's theories and commends the magazine for its work in the UFO field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on unidentified flying objects and related phenomena. This issue highlights the mysterious disappearance of a pilot possibly linked to a UFO encounter, reinforcing the organization's dedication to investigating such cases. The inclusion of 'Bigfoot' reports suggests an expanding scope to encompass other unexplained phenomena that may intersect with UFOlogy. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and reporting of witness accounts, theories, and evidence, aiming to provide factual information to the public.