Computer CDR Printout: Japan Air Lines Flight #1628 Radar Data

This document is a computer printout of recorded FAA radar data concerning Japan Air Lines Flight #1628, which occurred on November 17, 1986, between Ft. Yukon and Anchorage, Alaska. The document includes a memorandum from the FAA Public Affairs Officer, Paul Steucke, dated February 5, 1987, requesting an explanation of 'split images' to provide to the news media and the public. The radar data printout, dated March 5, 1987, details 105 total radar returns for the flight segment, including 19 uncorrelated returns and 86 usable radar returns. The data is presented in a series of tables listing time, range, azimuth, beacon code, and altitude. The document also includes a diagram illustrating the concept of 'uncorrelated radar signals,' explaining that an uncorrelated return occurs when radar energy reflects off an aircraft's surface at a slightly different moment than the beacon transponder signal, causing the two to not match up in the same computer radar cell. The pilot of JAL Flight 1628 is noted as having questioned ARTCC regarding other traffic at 5:19 pm and later stating, 'I couldn't see UFO' at 5:53 pm.