Summary of "ALIEN: The Westall UFO Incident"
So Supernatural Podcast Episode – Released July 25, 2025
Host/Author: audiochuck | Crime House
Introduction to the Westall UFO Incident
The episode delves into one of Australia's most intriguing UFO encounters—the Westall UFO Incident—which occurred on April 6, 1966, at Westall High School near Melbourne. The hosts, Yvette Gentile and Racha Pecorero (referred to as Mr. X), explore the events of that day, the bewildered witnesses, and the ensuing government cover-up that has fueled decades of speculation.
The Sighting: A Day Like Any Other
On what seemed to be an ordinary school day, Graham Simmons, a chemistry student at Westall High School, noticed something unusual in the sky. Initially dismissing it as a trick of the light, Graham's curiosity was piqued when he saw a "giant silver saucer the size of a car" descending from the clouds ([03:38] Ashley Flowers).
Mr. X: "I mean, talk about an interesting school day, right?" ([02:48])
Witness Reactions: Fear Over Awe
Unlike typical UFO sightings that evoke awe, the Westall incident instilled profound fear among the approximately 100 to 200 witnesses. Students and faculty panicked, with some diving for cover, fearing potential threats from the unidentified craft.
Yvette Gentile: "Most of them didn't feel the awe; they felt a fear they had never experienced before." ([06:52])
Government Intervention: The Men in Suits
Shortly after the sighting, mysterious men in suits began appearing at the homes of witnesses, threatening them to remain silent. This intimidation tactic prevented many from coming forward, contributing to the case's classification as a cold case.
Mr. X: "They act like you'd have to be stupid or gullible to believe in alien spaceships." ([13:33])
Andrew Greenwood's Stand: Seeking the Truth
Andrew Greenwood, a young science teacher at Westall High, was determined to uncover the truth. Unlike his peers, Andrew refused to be silenced by the government's pressure. He conducted his own investigation, which included clandestine visits to the site where the UFO had allegedly landed—the Grange Preserve.
Mr. X: "Andrew's honesty set him apart. He wasn't willing to play along with this cover-up." ([17:44])
Mr. X's Investigation: Uncovering Hidden Truths
An enigmatic figure known only as Mr. X, believed to be a government employee from the Department of Supply, was assigned to investigate the Westall Incident. His findings were classified, and he was instructed to keep them confidential. Despite his efforts, Mr. X's report remains undisclosed, sparking further theories about the true nature of the incident.
Mr. X: "Whatever secrets Mr. X learned, they're apparently too explosive to discuss even now." ([31:52])
Alternative Theories: Beyond Alien Spaceships
While the official explanation attributes the sighting to an experimental military balloon, ufologists like Ross Coulthardt argue against this narrative. Coulthardt suggests that the craft was possibly an American drone involved in testing, aligning with the historical context of US-Australian military cooperation during the 1960s.
Yvette Gentile: "Ross Coulthardt... doesn't think the flying craft was an alien ship. He thinks it was an American plane running tests in Australian airspace." ([43:19])
2014 Government Admission: Acknowledging the Sighting
In a surprising development, the Australian government publicly acknowledged the Westall UFO Incident in 2014, admitting that an unidentified object was indeed present that day. However, they maintained that it was an experimental military balloon, not of extraterrestrial origin.
Mr. X: "In 2014, Australian officials make a shocking announcement... they are admitting it wasn't a weather balloon. It was an experimental military balloon." ([35:49])
Comparisons to Other UFO Incidents: Roswell Parallel
The cover-up narrative of the Westall Incident bears similarity to the infamous Roswell UFO case of 1947. Both incidents involved initial denials, followed by claims of secret military experiments, fueling public skepticism and theories of extraterrestrial involvement.
Yvette Gentile: "After Roswell, the Australian government took a page right out of the Americans' UFO cover-up playbook." ([39:55])
Modern Implications: The Role of Social Media
Contrary to the 1960s, today's digital age empowers witnesses to share their experiences instantly, making government cover-ups more challenging. The hosts emphasize the potential for new evidence to emerge as technology advances and social media amplifies eyewitness accounts.
Yvette Gentile: "We live in the era of social media, camera phones, and instant communication... the proof we are chasing may not be far." ([45:38])
Conclusion: An Ongoing Mystery
The Westall UFO Incident remains a compelling case within UFO lore, marked by significant witness testimony and persistent government secrecy. Despite official explanations, skepticism abounds, and the quest for truth continues as new generations seek answers through modern investigative means.
Notable Quotes
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Mr. X on the uniqueness of the incident:
“You're absolutely right. And while you may think that going through this experience with so many other people would be comforting in a way. It doesn't seem to give anyone a huge sense of relief.” ([07:35]) -
Yvette on the government's dismissal of UFO reports:
“I've never felt like more things are possible than right now. In the right shoes, anything's possible.” ([47:41]) -
Andrew Greenwood on wanting to uncover the truth:
“I'm able to do anything I set my mind to.” ([47:55])
Final Thoughts
The "ALIEN: The Westall UFO Incident" episode of So Supernatural intricately weaves firsthand accounts, expert analyses, and historical context to present a comprehensive exploration of one of Australia's most enduring UFO mysteries. Through detailed storytelling and critical examination, the hosts invite listeners to ponder the thin veil between known facts and the enigmatic unknown.
