JAL Flight 1628 — FAA Radar Confirmation, Alaska

On November 17, 1986, Japan Air Lines Flight 1628, a Boeing 747 cargo aircraft under Captain Kenjyu Terauchi, was en route from Paris to Tokyo via Alaska when Terauchi observed two small craft to his left front that appeared to pace his aircraft. The small craft then departed, and a massive third object appeared — described by Terauchi as larger than two aircraft carriers in apparent size, with a dimly lit interior structure visible from his perspective. The object maintained position relative to the aircraft for an extended period. Terauchi contacted Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). The FAA controller instructed a nearby United Airlines flight to investigate; the UAL crew briefly observed an unidentified object in the area. FAA Anchorage radar showed an unidentified return near Flight 1628 for a portion of the encounter. USAF Elmendorf AFB radar briefly confirmed contact. The FAA investigated the case thoroughly and Captain Terauchi filed a formal detailed report. The FAA investigation concluded the objects were real but unidentified. The FAA held an unusual press conference at which the radar data was presented. The case file was later obtained through FOIA requests. FAA division chief John Callahan personally briefed CIA officials on the encounter; he later testified publicly that CIA officers told him 'this never happened' and requested all records be withheld. The full FAA investigation report is available through NARA.