Frederick Valentich was a 20-year-old Australian pilot who took off from Moorabbin Airport, intending to fly over the Bass Strait to King Island on October 21, 1978. At approximately 7:06 PM, Valentich reported to air traffic control that he was experiencing an encounter with an unidentified flying object, stating that it had four bright lights and appeared to be shadowing his plane. His last transmission at 7:12 PM ended abruptly, with Valentich stating, 'It seems to be orbiting me, and the engine is rough...I am unable to identify it.' This eerie communication sent chills through the control tower as Valentich's aircraft, a Cessna 182L, disappeared from radar without a trace. Search operations were conducted over the following days, but no debris or remains were discovered, adding to the mystery of his disappearance.

Valentich's last transmission is often cited as one of the most compelling pieces of evidence in the discussion surrounding UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomena. The absence of any physical evidence has fueled various theories, including those suggesting he may have staged his disappearance or encountered an extraterrestrial vehicle. Over the years, Valentich's case has remained a significant topic of interest among UFO enthusiasts and investigators, who continue to speculate about what truly happened that night over the Bass Strait.

In the aftermath of the incident, authorities conducted a thorough investigation, concluding that a series of factors, including potentially misleading radio communication, may have contributed to the mystery. Despite exhaustive searches and inquiries, Valentich's fate remains unknown, leaving behind unanswered questions and an enduring fascination with the unexplained.