AUSTRALIA’S GREATEST AVIATION MYSTERY
Saturday, 3 August 2024
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Club Burwood
97 Burwood Road
Burwood, NSW (map)
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UFO Research(NSW) Inc is very proud to be hosting Rhonda Rushton and Paul Spottiswood. Together they will be presenting AUSTRALIA’S GREATEST AVIATION MYSTERY … the disappearance of 20 year old pilot, Frederick Valentich, while flying a Cessna 182L, VH-DSJ, on Saturday, October 21,1978.
Frederick disappeared while he was on a 65 minute flight, from Melbourne’s Moorabbin Airport, to King Island, Tasmania, in the Bass Strait. Flying conditions were near perfect.
What sets this disappearance apart, was a 5 minute and 50 second radio communication between Frederick, and Melbourne Flight Service Unit Operator, Steve Robey, describing an unidentified aircraft. Frederick’s last 5 words were chilling!
The four day search was conducted in near perfect searching conditions. Despite an extensive search, nothing was discovered. No wreckage, no body, no fuel or oil slick.
Mysteriously the Electronic Locator Beacon (ELB), failed to sound.
Rhonda Rushton was Frederick’s 16 year old girl friend at the time (see photo below). Rhonda was to have been with Frederick on that flight, but was held up at work. Rhonda will explain her relationship with Frederick, Frederick’s history, and what happened on the day of the flight. Rhonda will also comment on the tragic aftermath of Frederick’s disappearance.
At 20 years of age, Paul Spottiswood flew the very same Cessna 182L when it was brand new in 1968. Paul too, was a struggling young pilot, like Frederick, aiming for a career in Commercial Aviation. Eventually, Paul flew for Ansett Airlines of Australia for 20 years, and qualified as a Captain of a Boeing 737. Paul will be explaining the history of the Cessna 182L, VH-DSJ, as well as a strange connection to a famous person who also went missing in Bass Strait. Paul will also give insight to Frederick’s training, and his final flight, from an experienced pilot’s point of view.
Aided by an extensive slide, video and audio presentation, both Rhonda and Paul will be dispelling many rumours, errors and the misinformation, that have been falsely published in the past.
Club Burwood
97 Burwood Road, Burwood
Saturday, 3 August 2024
1pm to 5pm
Admission: Members $25 / Non- members $30
CASH ONLY
This will be a popular event and a definite not to be missed.
Looking forward to having you come along.
Kind regards
UFOR Committee and Support Team, Maree, Leslie, Paul, Rudi, Skye and Steve.