UFO Research Australia newsletter vol 6 no 1

Magazine Overview

This document is the April 1988 issue (Volume 6, No. 1) of the "UFO RESEARCH AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER". The publication is dedicated to presenting the work of Australian and Overseas Researchers in the field of UFO research. The ISSN is 0726-1764. The editor and publisher is Vladimir Godic, with Keith Basterfield serving as the Contributing Editor. The magazine features a list of correspondents from various countries including Australia, Brazil, France, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.A.

Editorial

The editorial section, written by Vladimir Godic (Editor-Publisher), apologizes for the delay in publishing the newsletter. He explains that financial and time constraints, personal events, and health issues, including eye surgery, contributed to the delay. Godic has acquired a computer and printer to reduce his workload but has decided not to commit to a regular publishing schedule, stating that UFORAN will now be produced periodically. He emphasizes the ongoing commitment to maintaining the quality and integrity of the magazine, with Keith Basterfield continuing as Contributing Editor. Godic appeals for reader support and subscriptions to ensure the magazine's growth.

Special Report: The Mundrabilla Incident

This extensive report, authored by Keith Basterfield and Ray Brooke of UFO Research Australia, details an incident that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, January 20, 1988, on the main highway between Perth, Western Australia, and Adelaide, South Australia. The report is compiled from personal interviews with the main percipients, the Knowles family, a statement given to police, an inspection of their vehicle, an interview with a truck driver, and media coverage. The authors note that the report is raw information without analysis at this stage, and that there are discrepancies within accounts.

The investigation was conducted amidst significant media interest, described as a "media circus," with the authors fielding over one hundred inquiries. The report was compiled on March 17, 1988. The investigation team included Keith Basterfield, Ray Brooke, Steve Bolton, Vladimir and Pony Godic, Garry Little, and Joan Johnston.

Location:
The incident took place on a stretch of the main bitumen highway between Perth and Adelaide, specifically between Madura and Eucla in Western Australia, in an area locally known as "The Basin." This is an isolated stretch of road bordered by the Great Australian Bight to the south and hills to the north.

The Vehicles:
Four vehicles were involved, three travelling eastwards towards Eucla and one travelling westwards towards Perth. These vehicles were spread over a 10-15 kilometre distance and not travelling in a convoy. Initial media reports suggested a fifth vehicle, but this was later deemed spurious. Vehicle one was a car and caravan that nearly collided with the Knowles' car, whose driver remains unidentified. Vehicle two was a truck driven by Graham Henley. Vehicle three was the Ford Telstar sedan carrying the Knowles family (Faye, Sean, Patrick, and Wayne). Vehicle four was a truck driven by a woman named Anne, a friend of the owner, De Jong (nicknamed "Porky"). As of March 17, the occupants of two vehicles had been identified and spoken to.

Investigation by UFO Research (SA):
The story reached UFO Research (SA) via a call from Ceduna police on January 20, 1988. Arrangements were made for the Knowles family and their vehicle to be brought to Adelaide for inspection. However, the story had already leaked to the media, and the family was intercepted by Channel 7, leading to concerns about "cheque book" journalism overshadowing scientific evaluation. The authors were able to speak informally with the Knowles family at the Channel 7 studios but could not conduct a formal in-depth interview. The family, distressed and tired, declined a further interview and left for an undisclosed location, later travelling to Melbourne.

The Main Percipients:
Mrs Faye Knowles (43) and her sons Sean (21), Patrick (24), and Wayne (18) were travelling from Perth to Melbourne. Sean, the driver, reported seeing a brilliant white light approaching from the east, which he initially mistook for a truck's light. The light disappeared and reappeared, described as "jumping about a bit," before approaching their vehicle. Sean described it as looking like a "spaceship," becoming brighter and bigger. As they continued driving towards it, it disappeared again.

Sequence of Events (as pieced together):
The sequence of events is described as confused. Sean attempted to evade the object, which reappeared in front of them. He performed a U-turn and then another to resume eastbound travel, possibly to elude or follow the light. At one point, the light was seen close to their vehicle, causing them to swerve and nearly collide with another vehicle. The events that followed included:

• The rear right tyre blowing out while travelling at speed.
• Mrs Knowles feeling a "spongy substance" on the car's roof and experiencing a warm sensation on her hand after touching it.
• A "greyish-black mist" entering the car when windows were lowered.
• Their voices changing pitch and appearing to slow down.
• The belief that the object had landed on the roof, though they did not see it land or protrude.
• A humming sound.
• Sean blacking out.
• The family becoming hysterical, shouting, and crying, with Mrs Knowles fearing they would die.
• A black deposit found inside and outside the car.
• Indentations found on the roof.
• The belief that the car was lifted off the road, though they did not look out to confirm.
• The vehicle being dropped, causing the tyre to burst.
• Their two dogs going "crazy."
• A smell described as "dead bodies."
• The car starting to shake.

The report emphasizes that the exact sequence of events is difficult to ascertain as the family has not been available since January 21.

After stopping the car, they exited to adjacent scrub. The light/object remained nearby before departing. Approximately fifteen minutes later, they changed the tyre and drove to the Mundrabilla Motor Hotel.

Police Statement:
A statement from a Senior Constable First Grade of the Port Lincoln crime scene section, dated March 17, provides details recorded a few hours after the incident. The reporting officer was approached at the Ceduna Police Station by Sean and Patrick Knowles. They reported being confronted by an extremely bright white light with a yellow core, about 15-18 metres in front of their Ford Telstar on the Eyre Highway at approximately 5:30 a.m. (WA time). They stated the object landed on the roof of their vehicle, showering it with a black ash-type dust, and that their vehicle was damaged. The Knowles displayed great anxiety. The officer questioned why they had not reported the incident earlier in Western Australia or at Penong Police Station in South Australia. The vehicle was parked in Poynton Street, Ceduna. The officer inspected the vehicle, noting superficial dents on the four corners of the hood, which the Knowles indicated were caused by the object. The exterior was covered in a fine black/grey dust, also found on the upholstery. The vehicle appeared well-maintained with no other noticeable damage. The rear right tyre had blown out, and when examined, it was found to be in good condition with adequate tread, but the outer side was fractured at the base of the tread. The officer requested the vehicle be conveyed to the police station for further examination. He then spoke with Mrs Knowles privately, who insisted on her honesty, believing the police were skeptical. She reiterated that the brilliant white light had been in front of their vehicle, zig-zagging across the road, and was about one metre wide, blocking their view. The report notes that the police were skeptical at the time.

Reference Library

This section, on page 21, is not detailed in the provided text.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the detailed investigation of a specific UFO/UAP sighting, the Mundrabilla Incident. The editorial stance, as expressed by Vladimir Godic, is one of commitment to UFO research and the presentation of findings by researchers, while acknowledging the challenges of publication and the need for reader support. The report on the Mundrabilla Incident itself adopts a factual, investigative tone, presenting witness testimony and physical evidence while noting the difficulties in analysis and the influence of media attention. There is an underlying concern about the potential for sensationalism in media coverage of such events, as highlighted by the comment on "cheque book" journalism.

This document details the "Mundrabilla Incident," a UFO encounter reported by the Knowles family on January 20, 1988, on the Eyre Highway in Western Australia. The magazine issue includes eyewitness accounts, police reports, vehicle inspection findings, and scientific analysis related to the event.

The Mundrabilla Incident

The primary account comes from the Knowles family: Faye Knowles and her three sons, Sean, Patrick, and Wayne. While driving from Perth to Melbourne, they encountered a "huge bright glowing object" that stopped on the road. Described as "egg-shaped" and resembling an "egg in an eggcup," the object allegedly chased their Ford Telstar. The family reported hearing a high-pitched whirring noise, experiencing disorientation, and their voices becoming slow and deep. Mrs. Knowles described touching a soft, hot, spongy object on the car's roof, which left her hand covered in black/grey dust.

The object then allegedly lifted the vehicle off the road, dropping it heavily, which caused the rear right tyre to blow out. The family drove to the Mundrabilla Roadhouse, where they spoke with other persons, including truck drivers, who had also reportedly seen unusual lights.

Eyewitness Corroboration

Two truck drivers, Mr. De Jong ("Porky") and Graham Henley, provided corroborating accounts. Mr. De Jong and his companion Anne were travelling behind the Knowles' vehicle and reported seeing unusual lights and a stationary car on the side of the road. They also noted the family's distressed state and their story of a UFO.

Mr. De Jong and Mr. Henley assisted in inspecting the Knowles' vehicle and the incident site. They noted the damaged tyre, the absence of certain expected debris (like tyre fragments or glass from the mirror), and found footprints in the area.

Vehicle Inspection and Physical Evidence

The Knowles' Ford Telstar GL was inspected by UFO Research (South Australia) and later by the Australian Mineral Development Laboratory (AMDEL) in Adelaide. The vehicle had a shattered driver's mirror, which the family attributed to hitting a kangaroo earlier. The car's bodywork was in good condition for its age. The speedometer reading suggested a significant mileage.

Tyres: All five tyres were Dunlop Grand Prix steel-belted radials. The rear right tyre, which had blown out, was a retread, while the others were new. The blown tyre had a clean break along the steel belt. The valve for pumping air was missing.

Roof: Four shallow indentations were found on the roof, described as depressions rather than cuts, with the paint intact. These were consistent with an object being pressed into the roof.

Electrical: The family reported no effects on the engine, lights, or clock during the event. However, the right-hand rear brake light was found to be inoperable. Other electrical components, including the battery, engine, and radio, were checked and found to be operable, though the radio played with static unless the aerial was fully extended.

Deposits: The vehicle was covered in a thick coating of black ash, both internally and externally. AMDEL's analysis of dust samples from the front wheels indicated it was typical residual dust from wearing brake pads and discs, with no significant foreign compounds. However, the family reported a black/grey dust on Mrs. Knowles' hand.

Summary of AMDEL Report: The investigation revealed that the damage to the tyre was consistent with running on a deflated tyre for an extended period, which could account for the odour, smoke, and vibration sensed. The roof dents were consistent with an object being pressed into the roof. No significant dust was observed on the vehicle as presented for inspection, and the dust from the front wheels was identified as brake dust.

Interviews and Further Investigation

Interviews were conducted with the Knowles family, Mr. De Jong, and Graham Henley. Questions focused on the noise, the height of the object, and potential explanations. The family insisted the noise was not from a helicopter.

Further investigation was planned, including interviewing the other truck driver, documenting independent observations of lights, negotiating for SAPD and WAPD samples, and seeking advice from experts.

Media Coverage

Several newspaper articles are included, highlighting the event. The Daily Mirror and Sydney Sun reported the "eggcup UFO" lifting the car. The Australian mentioned "The First Fleet lands from Mars" and reported on the police and scientific investigation. The Courier Mail featured a university physicist's opinion that the incident was likely caused by a meteorite, while other experts suggested an electrical storm or a distorted view of the sun.

In Conclusion

As of March 17, 1988, the document concludes that the entire incident, particularly the Knowles family's experience, remains open to interpretation. Various explanations, including a meteorite fall, were considered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are UFO sightings, close encounters, physical evidence (dust, dents, tyre damage), eyewitness testimony, and the challenges of scientific investigation and interpretation of such events. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting the facts and testimonies objectively, while acknowledging the lack of definitive conclusions and the variety of proposed explanations, from extraterrestrial to natural phenomena.

Title: THE MUNDRABILLA INCIDENT
Publisher: The Advertiser
Date: January 26, 1988

This issue of The Advertiser focuses on a significant UFO incident that occurred near the Western Australia-South Australia border, dubbed 'The Mundrabilla Incident'. The cover story highlights the police investigation into the event, particularly the mysterious 'dust' found on the affected vehicle. The issue also delves into the psychological aftermath for the family involved and reports on other related sightings.

Knowles Family UFO Encounter

The central event detailed is the alleged encounter of the Knowles family with an unidentified flying object (UFO) on the Nullarbor Plain. According to Faye Knowles and her three sons (Sean, Patrick, and Wayne), their car was pursued by a 'huge bright glowing object' that looked like an 'egg cup'. The object reportedly lifted their car off the road, shook it violently, and covered it in a black, powdery substance, described as 'ash' by police. During the encounter, the family members reported their voices becoming distorted and their speech changing, as if they were in a 'time warp' or 'slow motion'. Faye Knowles described touching the hood of the object, finding it 'soft, warm and spongy'.

Police Investigation and Forensic Analysis

Australian police, including Sergeant Jim Furnell of Ceduna, are taking the reports 'very seriously'. Forensic experts examined the Knowles' family car, a Ford Telstar, which was found covered in a thick coating of black ash, with some damage to the roof. However, police stated they were unable to positively identify the substance and that further tests were required. The Adelaide Weather Bureau dismissed theories that lightning from a 'dry' thunderstorm caused the phenomenon, stating no such conditions existed over the Nullarbor at the time of the sighting.

Psychological Impact and Support

Consultant psychologist Ms Judith Paphazy commented on the potential psychological impact on the Knowles family. She suggested that the family might need hypnotherapy to overcome their fears and trauma, estimating that recovery could take between three to twelve months. Ms Paphazy noted that the community's skepticism could exacerbate their emotional state, and advised the family not to try and convince skeptics, but rather to accept that others might not understand their experience.

Related Sightings

The incident is contextualized by other UFO reports received around the same time. Sergeant Jim Furnell mentioned receiving calls from two other individuals who had seen a light in the past week. A Christchurch couple, Alan and Tina Parkes, reported seeing a 'very very bright, greenish-blueish object hovering' while driving between Mt Gambier and Melbourne. Additionally, crewmen from a tuna boat, located about 80 kilometers away in the Great Australia Bight, reported a UFO buzzing their vessel shortly after the Knowles' encounter. Their voices also became unintelligible. Another truck driver reported being followed by a UFO, and crewmen on a different tuna boat reported a bright light near a highway. Keith Basterfield of UFO Research Inc. noted that if confirmed, the Knowles' encounter would be the 'most physical' ever recorded in Australia.

UFORA Document Service

The magazine also features a 'reference library' section from the UFORA DOCUMENT SERVICE, offering photocopies of various UFO-related reports for purchase. These include 'A Report on Observation from Aircraft Crew Members in Australia', 'An In Depth Review of Australasian UFO Related Entity Reports', 'A Catalogue of the More Interesting Australian Close Encounters', and 'A Preliminary Catalogue of Australian Vehicle Interference Cases'. Prices and postage options are detailed for these documents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly focuses on the unexplained and the official response to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious consideration of witness accounts, particularly when corroborated by physical evidence or multiple sightings. The inclusion of expert psychological commentary and the detailed reporting of police investigations suggest an effort to provide a comprehensive and credible account of the events. The magazine also serves as a resource for further research through its document service, indicating a commitment to the study of UFOlogy.