Personnel Statements Regarding Japan Airlines Flight 1628 Incident

This document consists of a series of personnel statements from employees of the Federal Aviation Administration at the Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). The statements were written in late 1986 and early 1987 regarding an incident involving Japan Airlines Flight 1628 (JL1628) that occurred on November 18, 1986. The pilot of JL1628 reported observing unidentified traffic at his altitude, described as a large aircraft with white and yellow strobe lights. The controllers on duty, including Carl E. Henley, Samuel J. Rich, and John L. Aarnink, reported varying experiences. Some controllers observed primary radar returns that appeared to correlate with the pilot's reports, while others, such as Joseph Rollins, Manfred F. Keller, and Anthony M. Wylie, stated that they did not observe conclusive radar data or could not find target information upon reviewing recorded data. The controllers coordinated with the Regional Operational Control Center (ROCC) and other aircraft in the vicinity to attempt to identify the traffic, but no positive identification was made. The pilot eventually lost visual contact with the object, and the ROCC lost radar contact shortly thereafter. The statements provide a detailed account of the operational procedures followed by the controllers during the event, including the use of radar, coordination with military authorities, and the subsequent internal review of radar data.