Inspection and Surveillance Record: J.A.L. B-747 Flight 1628

This document is an Inspection and Surveillance Record from the FAA (AAL-FSDO-63), dated November 17, 1986, detailing a report from the crew of J.A.L. Cargo Flight 1628. The flight, piloted by Captain Kenju Terauchi, was traveling from Iceland to Anchorage. According to the report, the captain stated that after passing the Canadian/Alaskan border at 35,000 feet, an object appeared 5 to 7 nautical miles in front of the aircraft. The object was described as being larger than the B-747 and having 4 or 5 lights in a line. The object reportedly shadowed the aircraft, moving between the captain's side (left) and the other side (right). The crew used the aircraft's weather radar to track the object, confirming a distance of 5 to 7 nautical miles on a 20NM range display. The captain noted that the object seemed to be waiting for them. The object eventually departed near the Talkeetna area. A United flight was requested to investigate but did not observe the object. The total duration of the encounter was approximately 55 minutes. The crew was described as being 'shook-up but professional.' James Derry interviewed the crew at JAL operations, and it was noted that the captain had asked ATC if they were picking up two targets, to which ATC replied 'just one.' The record concludes with a request by James Derry to save the tapes and any other relevant information.