The 1986 JAL Flight 1628 UFO Encounter Over Alaska
Detailed Account and Lasting Impact
On November 17, 1986, Japan Air Lines Cargo Flight 1628 made history with an intense UFO sighting over the vast skies of Alaska. A seasoned flight crew reported that three unidentified flying objects pursued their cargo plane for nearly an hour, with both visual and radar confirmation sparking global attention. The incident became one of aviation’s most detailed and credible cases, drawing interest from the public, investigators, and skeptics alike.
As the aircraft traveled through Alaska’s airspace, the pilots recounted observing mysterious lights and enormous craft maneuvering in ways that defied conventional explanation. The encounter not only rattled the experienced crew but also challenged the boundaries of what was considered possible in the region’s often-monitored skies.
Decades later, the JAL Flight 1628 UFO event remains a significant reference point for discussions about unidentified aerial phenomena. The details and official responses surrounding this Alaska UFO sighting continue to captivate those interested in mysteries of the sky.
Background of JAL Flight 1628
Japan Air Lines Flight 1628 was an international cargo operation that drew wide attention due to an unusual aerial encounter over Alaska. The circumstances of the flight, crew composition, and flight path are essential to understanding the significance of the reported event.
Japan Air Lines Flight 1628 Cargo Flight
Japan Air Lines Flight 1628 (JAL1628) was a scheduled cargo service. On November 17, 1986, the flight was carrying a shipment of French wine as part of its regular operations from Paris to Tokyo.
The aircraft designated for the mission was a Boeing 747, which was commonly used by Japan Air Lines for long-haul cargo routes during this period. JAL1628's flight plan required traversing extensive segments of northern airspace, including over Canada and the state of Alaska, en route to its destination in Japan.
As a cargo-only run, there were no commercial passengers aboard, only the flight crew. The routine journey would soon become the focus of international scrutiny following the crew's reports over Alaska.
Flight Crew and Aircraft Details
The flight was operated by Captain Kenju Terauchi, an experienced commercial pilot with thousands of flight hours logged. He held the primary responsibility for controls and decisions throughout the journey.
He was joined by co-pilot/first officer Takanori Tamefuji, who assisted with navigation and monitoring aircraft systems. Flight engineer Yoshio Tsukuba completed the crew, overseeing the mechanical and electrical status of the 747.
Their aircraft, a Japan Air Lines 747, was well-equipped for long-distance international cargo operations. The professionalism and composure of Terauchi, Tamefuji, and Tsukuba during the flight became significant to subsequent official investigations.
Flight Route Through Alaskan Airspace
JAL Flight 1628's course took them from Paris over the Arctic, entering North America and heading over northern Alaska. After passing near Fairbanks, the flight followed a standard route southward toward Anchorage.
Anchorage air traffic control maintained regular contact with the crew as they progressed through Alaskan airspace. Over the region between Fort Yukon and Talkeetna, approximately 35,000 feet above ground, the crew reported encountering unidentified aerial phenomena, prompting coordination and monitoring from air traffic control.
The Alaskan segment featured mostly clear, cold weather, with minimal external light sources, which made any unusual visual observations more prominent. The area’s sparse population and remote environment contributed to the isolation and focus on the incident.
The UFO Encounter Sequence
During its cargo flight over Alaska, Japan Air Lines Flight 1628 reported a sustained and unusual encounter with multiple unidentified flying objects. The aircraft's crew documented detailed observations, took evasive maneuvers, and communicated the event to air traffic control, resulting in one of the most documented UFO sightings involving commercial pilots.
Initial Sighting of Unidentified Objects
The incident began on November 17, 1986, when JAL1628, operated by Captain Kenju Terauchi, co-pilot Takanori Tamefuji, and flight engineer Yoshio Tsukuba, noticed unusual lights while flying near Anchorage, Alaska. The lights appeared to be much brighter than typical aircraft landing lights and moved erratically, unlike conventional planes.
Captain Terauchi was the first to spot the objects at about 5:10 pm local time. He described two glowing objects, roughly the size of a commercial aircraft, approaching their Boeing 747 cargo plane. The crew confirmed that these objects did not match any known traffic or celestial bodies on the radar.
The unidentified objects steadily closed in on JAL1628, maintaining a parallel course for several minutes before making more abrupt movements and maneuvers. The initial sighting was visually confirmed by all three crew members, each providing consistent accounts in subsequent reports.
Description of the Encounter
Once the objects got closer, the crew observed distinct details. They described the objects as having a rectangular shape and emitting an intense, pulsating amber and white light. The lights alternated between dimming and brightening, resembling maneuvering thrusters or rocket exhaust ports rather than commercial aircraft lights.
Captain Terauchi, a seasoned flyer, compared the flying objects to gigantic spaceships, even referencing the silhouette of a possible mothership. One of the unidentified objects reportedly moved rapidly in front of the plane, illuminating the cockpit and casting a noticeable shadow in the cabin.
At one point, the crew saw what looked like surface features or panels on the UFOs, increasing their belief that these were not natural atmospheric phenomena. Subsequent analysis ruled out known astronomical sources, such as planets or stars, given the observed behavior and flight patterns.
Crew Reactions and Evasive Maneuvers
The unusual behavior and proximity of the UFOs prompted escalating concern among the crew. Captain Terauchi reported increasing nervousness as the unidentified flying objects maintained their position despite changes in speed and heading.
To avoid a possible collision, Terauchi requested permission for an immediate change of course from Anchorage Air Traffic Control. The flight engineer, Yoshio Tsukuba, monitored the aircraft’s instruments for any effects on gravity or electrical systems but found no abnormal readings, even as radio interference was reported on some frequencies.
The crew executed a series of turns, drops in altitude, and other evasive actions. Despite these maneuvers, the objects shadowed JAL1628, demonstrating what the crew described as controlled and intelligent movement rather than random or natural motion.
Duration and Timeline of Events
From the first sighting to the final disappearance, the encounter lasted approximately 50 minutes. The sequence began shortly after 5 pm local time and continued as the plane approached Anchorage. During this period, both radar and visual reports tracked the unidentified objects alongside the Boeing 747.
A summary timeline:
Time Event Description 5:10 pm Initial sighting of bright, unidentified lights by Captain Terauchi 5:15 pm Objects approach and maneuver around JAL1628 5:20 pm Detailed visual observations and proximity to the aircraft 5:30 pm Evasive actions taken by the flight crew 6:00 pm Objects separate from JAL1628 as it nears Anchorage
The extended presence of the flying objects, persistence in following course changes, and multiple crew confirmations made the JAL1628 UFO sighting a frequently cited case in aviation and UAP documentation. Authorities and investigators later examined radar logs and crew testimonies, supporting the unusual duration and complexity of the event.
Radar and Communication Evidence
Multiple lines of technical and eyewitness data were recorded during the JAL Flight 1628 incident near Alaska in November 1986. These include radar signals tracked by civilian and military sources, direct visual sightings, and communications between the flight crew and authorities.
FAA and Military Radar Observations
During the encounter, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center monitored Flight 1628 after receiving the crew’s initial report. FAA radar operators reviewed their radar scopes for any unidentified objects in proximity to the cargo aircraft and occasionally observed unusual "primary returns," which lacked transponder signals.
Military radar stations at both Elmendorf and Eielson Air Force Bases were alerted to the situation. The radar crew at Elmendorf’s Regional Operational Control Center was tasked with tracking any anomalous activity. They reported sporadic radar contacts and conducted checks for "surge primary returns," suggesting transient radar targets near Flight 1628.
These ambiguous radar contacts were not always consistent but did appear at times to correspond with the location and timing of the visual sightings reported by the crew.
Visual and Instrumentational Data
Captain Kenji Terauchi and his crew visually identified three unidentified objects—two smaller ones and a much larger, “mothership-like” craft—maneuvering near their Boeing 747. This occurred while flying over Alaska at high altitude during the late hours.
The flight’s digital weather radar also played a role. Terauchi reported that unusual echoes appeared on his weather radar, which he could not attribute to meteorological phenomena or known aircraft. These radar returns coincided with the periods of closest visual proximity to the unidentified objects.
Their direct radio communications with the Anchorage control center provided real-time updates, and the consistent information from the crew lent credibility to their claims as events unfolded.
Elmendorf and Eielson Air Force Base Involvement
Personnel at Elmendorf and Eielson Air Force Bases provided rapid support in response to the Flight 1628 encounter. Upon notification by the FAA, both installations scanned local airspace for any unidentified intruders.
Elmendorf Air Force Base, controlling the regional air defense radar, actively monitored for unusual targets. The base’s operational team coordinated with the FAA to compare radar findings. Eielson Air Force Base, equipped with separate radar assets, likewise searched for any sign of the reported objects. Although neither base tracked the objects continuously, they did detect intermittent radar returns that fit the timeline and geography of the encounter.
Both military installations maintained communication with the FAA and processed all available radar and communication data for further analysis.
Air Traffic Control and Official Response
The sighting by JAL Flight 1628 over Alaska received swift attention from multiple agencies. Key responses involved direct coordination with Anchorage air traffic control, a formal review by the FAA, and scrutiny from military and intelligence authorities.
Anchorage Air Traffic Control Actions
Anchorage air traffic controllers were in direct radio communication with Captain Kenji Terauchi and his crew throughout the encounter. As Terauchi reported seeing unidentified lights and described large, moving objects outside the aircraft, controllers took the claims seriously and attempted to confirm the presence of other aircraft on radar.
Despite detailed descriptions from the crew, Anchorage radar showed only JAL 1628’s position with occasional blips that did not correspond to known traffic. Controllers instructed Terauchi to take evasive maneuvers and requested updates as the sighting continued. An American jet fighter was not scrambled, but a nearby military aircraft was reportedly contacted as part of procedures to ensure airspace safety.
FAA Investigation and John Callahan’s Analysis
The Federal Aviation Administration launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. John Callahan, then the FAA Division Chief of Accidents and Investigations, collected data including radar tapes, voice recordings, and crew statements. He led a detailed analysis of the technical records, seeking explanations for the radar anomalies and pilot testimonies.
Callahan convened meetings with higher-level officials and later described the event as unique due to consistent testimonies and preserved radar data. The FAA ultimately released a formal report, stating that while radar data was occasionally inconclusive, the pilot’s sighting could not be explained by normal air traffic or atmospheric phenomena. This transparency distinguished the FAA’s handling of the case from other UFO reports.
CIA and Military Interest
The unusual nature of the encounter drew attention from both the CIA and military authorities. During the internal review, officials from intelligence agencies attended FAA meetings and requested copies of the radar and relevant documentation.
The military confirmed it had no aircraft—including jet fighters or aircraft carriers—operating in the area at the time of the sighting. Reports indicate a high level of cooperation between agencies, but no subsequent evidence suggested a national security breach. The CIA’s interest focused on whether the event indicated advanced technology in Alaskan airspace.
Agency involvement remained largely confidential, but later testimony and declassified documents confirmed both the CIA and military tracked the case closely in the weeks following the incident.
Media Coverage and Public Impact
JAL Flight 1628’s reported encounter with unidentified flying objects over Alaska became a significant news story. The incident prompted widespread discussion, with news agencies, government officials, and UFO organizations all offering responses that influenced public opinion and media narratives.
Kyodo News and International Reporting
Kyodo News, Japan's leading news agency, quickly covered the sighting. Their initial reports included interviews with Captain Kenju Terauchi and details from the flight crew, highlighting their descriptions of seeing large, brightly lit objects.
International outlets soon picked up the story, broadcasting the event outside Japan. Major newspapers in the United States and Europe reported on the details provided by Kyodo News, often quoting Terauchi’s statements about the UFO’s size—described as much larger than his aircraft.
Coverage emphasized the incident’s duration, nearly 50 minutes, and the involvement of radar operators. Media reports led to increased speculation and questions for aviation authorities. The widespread publicity gave this sighting more staying power in the public eye than many previous reports.
Reactions by Government and President Reagan
The U.S. government's response became a focal point. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched an official investigation, reviewing cockpit recordings and radar data. Their findings confirmed radar contact with an unknown object during the flight, but further explanations were inconclusive.
Reports indicate that President Reagan was briefed on the incident, and the event was mentioned in several governmental circles. Discussions focused on potential national security implications, but official statements avoided endorsing any explanation.
FAA officials publicly acknowledged the sighting and released related information to the media. However, the investigation’s ambiguity added to speculation. Government reactions demonstrated both interest and caution in dealing with highly publicized UFO sightings.
Influence on UFO Discourse
The JAL 1628 case became a major reference point for UFO researchers. Its combination of credible witnesses—a veteran pilot and his crew—plus corroborating radar evidence, distinguished it from many other reports.
UFO organizations included this case in catalogs of significant sightings. The event was often cited in debates over the reliability of eyewitness reports and the limits of official investigations. The sighting’s prominence contributed to renewed public interest in UFOs during the late 1980s.
Media coverage increased the visibility of UFOs in popular culture, reinforcing ongoing discussions about unidentified flying objects and government transparency. The incident remains frequently referenced in both mainstream and specialized examinations of the subject.
Subsequent Analysis and Theories
Investigators and skeptics have closely examined the JAL1628 incident. Their analyses have focused on alternative explanations and the continuing influence of this event on both aviation and UFO studies.
Alternate Explanations and Skeptic Perspectives
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and independent researchers reviewed radar data, crew statements, and environmental conditions during the flight. Some experts suggested that the lights seen by the Japan Air Lines Flight 1628 crew could have been planets like Jupiter and Mars, which were visible and especially bright that night.
Radar returns reportedly matched the position of JAL1628 but not additional objects, leading some analysts to argue radar anomalies or ground clutter might explain the unidentified returns. Atmospheric phenomena such as ice crystals, auroras, or optical illusions were also considered by astronomers as possible explanations.
The flight’s captain, Kenju Terauchi, was later described by the FAA as a "UFO repeater," indicating he had reported similar sightings before. This led some skeptics to question the reliability of his observations given the lack of corroborating evidence from other aircraft, such as the United Airlines and military planes in the area.
Lasting Legacy of JAL Flight 1628 Case
The JAL1628 event has remained a point of reference in aviation and UFO discussions for decades. It prompted regulatory agencies to refine procedures for pilot reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, especially after the incident was widely publicized and scrutinized by both the FAA and media.
Aviation professionals—particularly those flying passenger jets along the same flight plan—became more aware of the importance of accurately documenting unusual events. Japan Airlines pilots and crews underwent further training to distinguish natural or manmade lights from unidentified objects.
Although no conclusive link to space shuttles or satellites was found, the case is frequently cited in both skeptical and pro-UFO literature. The endurance of public and institutional interest in the JAL1628 sighting reflects the unique combination of radar, pilot testimony, and official investigation in a modern airspace context.
