Overview
The Japan Air Lines Flight 1628 Incident occurred on 17 November 1986 during a cargo flight from Paris, France, to Tokyo, Japan, with a scheduled refuelling stop in Anchorage, Alaska. The event is regarded as one of the most significant commercial aviation UAP cases because it involved an experienced airline crew, reports of multiple unidentified objects, communication with air traffic control and subsequent review by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The aircraft, a Japan Air Lines Boeing 747-200F, was commanded by Captain Kenju Terauchi, an experienced commercial pilot and former military aviator. During the flight over eastern Alaska, the crew reported observing unusual aerial objects that appeared to accompany the aircraft for an extended period.
The Incident
At approximately 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time, while cruising near Fort Yukon, the crew observed two brightly illuminated objects approaching from the left side of the aircraft.
According to the pilots, the objects manoeuvred in close proximity to the Boeing 747, maintaining formation for several minutes before moving ahead of the aircraft.
Captain Terauchi later reported observing a much larger object at greater distance, describing it as an enormous, dark structure that appeared significantly larger than the aircraft itself. He estimated that the object remained visible for an extended period as the flight continued toward Anchorage.
Throughout the encounter, the crew maintained radio contact with Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center, which coordinated with military and civilian radar facilities in an attempt to verify the reported objects.
Reported Characteristics
The flight crew described several unusual features:
- Two brightly illuminated objects flying in close formation.
- Apparent rapid manoeuvring around the aircraft.
- Bright white and amber lights.
- A much larger dark object visible behind or beyond the smaller lights.
- Silent operation.
- The objects maintaining pace with the aircraft before departing.
The crew estimated that portions of the encounter lasted for approximately 30 to 50 minutes, making it one of the longest reported commercial aviation UAP incidents.
Investigation
The incident was investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with supporting information from military radar facilities.
Air traffic controllers confirmed that the flight crew had reported the objects in real time. Radar data were reviewed to determine whether unidentified targets corresponded with the pilots' observations.
The available radar information produced differing interpretations. Some radar returns appeared consistent with unusual targets, while later reviews suggested that certain returns may have resulted from normal radar processing or atmospheric effects.
The FAA conducted interviews with the crew, reviewed recorded communications and examined radar data. No definitive explanation was reached for all aspects of the encounter.
Captain Terauchi continued to maintain that the crew had observed structured objects under controlled flight conditions. Other investigators argued that some observations could potentially be explained by astronomical objects, atmospheric reflections or limitations in radar interpretation.
Historical Significance
The Japan Air Lines Flight 1628 Incident remains one of the most frequently cited commercial aviation UAP cases because it combined:
- Multiple experienced flight crew witnesses.
- Real-time radio communication with air traffic control.
- Review by aviation authorities.
- Radar data examined during the investigation.
- Extensive official documentation.
The case also highlighted the challenges faced by aviation authorities when assessing reports involving both visual observations and radar information.
Today, Flight 1628 continues to be referenced in discussions of aviation safety and UAP reporting, particularly in relation to pilot observations and the importance of documenting unusual aerial events through established reporting procedures.