Freedom of Information Act Document Disclosure
This is a notice regarding the public availability of UFO-related records under the Freedom of Information Act. It directs users to an online resource for accessing these declassified documents.
Document Collection
Japan Airlines Flight JAL 1628
Simulation Analysis of Japan Air 1628 Flight Path
This document contains five radar simulation images and descriptions reconstructing the flight path of Japan Air 1628 on November 18, 1986. It documents the pilot's report of an object descending in formation with the aircraft and subsequent radar tracking near Fairbanks and Nenana.
Personal statement concerning JAL Flight 1628 sighting of unidentified air traffic
Captain Kenju Terauchi of JAL Flight 1628 reports a 50-minute encounter with unidentified aerial objects over Alaska on November 17, 1986. The objects were tracked on the aircraft's weather radar and caused radio interference, though ground radar failed to confirm their presence.
Correspondence regarding JAL Flight 1628 Unidentified Traffic Sighting
This document provides an itemized list of FAA investigation records available for purchase regarding the JAL Flight 1628 unidentified traffic sighting of November 17, 1986. It includes references to radar data, crew interviews, and internal FAA communications with the U.S. Air Force.
Aircraft Incident Record: Japan Airlines Flight 1628, November 17, 1987
Japan Airlines Flight 1628 reported unidentified traffic near Alaska on November 17, 1986. The object was tracked by both the aircraft's weather radar and ground-based military and civilian radar systems.
Correspondence and Records Regarding JAL Flight 1628 UFO Incident
The document collection covers the FAA's handling of the JAL 1628 UFO incident, including internal disputes over information leaks and the subsequent debunking of the sighting by investigator Philip J. Klass. It confirms the FAA's official position that it does not investigate UFOs as a matter of policy.
Inspection and Surveillance Record: J.A.L. B-747 Flight 1628
A JAL cargo flight crew reported being shadowed by a large, unidentified object for 55 minutes over Alaska in 1986. The object was tracked on the aircraft's weather radar, and the incident was documented by the FAA.
Incident Report: JAL Flight 1628 Sighting of Unidentified Air Traffic, November 17, 1986
This document contains FAA interview reports regarding a November 1986 sighting of unidentified air traffic by the crew of JAL Flight 1628 over Alaska. The sighting was corroborated by both onboard radar and ground-based radar systems from ARTCC and NORAD.
Japan Air Lines Flight 1628 Incident Report
This document is a collection of operational records from Japan Air Lines regarding an incident in Alaska. It contains administrative details and fragmented reports related to an aerial sighting.
Record of Interview with JAL Captain — January 2, 1987
Transcript of an interview with JAL Captain Kenju Terauchi regarding a 1986 UAP sighting over Alaska. The captain describes a large mothership and two smaller objects that maintained formation with his aircraft.
Record of Interview with JAL First Officer
Transcript of an FAA interview with JAL First Officer Takanori Tamefuji regarding a 1986 UAP sighting. The witness describes observing luminous, multi-colored lights and corresponding radar echos.
Interview Transcript: JAL Flight Engineer Yoshio Tsukuba Regarding November 17, 1986 UFO Sighting
Transcript of an FAA interview with JAL flight engineer Yoshio Tsukuba regarding a November 1986 UFO sighting. The witness describes observing clusters of lights and a corresponding radar return.
FAA Information Package: JAL Flight 1628 Sighting, November 17, 1986
The FAA released an investigative package regarding the JAL Flight 1628 UFO sighting of November 1986. The agency concluded that the reported objects were a technical radar phenomenon known as 'uncorrelated primary and beacon target returns.'
Selected Portions of Transcription Concerning the Incident Involving Japan Airlines Flight 1628
A transcript of communications between JAL Flight 1628 and air traffic control regarding an unidentified aerial object observed over Alaska in November 1986. The object was reported visually by the crew and intermittently tracked on military and civilian radar.
Daily Record of Facility Operation - Anchorage ARTCC - November 17, 1986
The document is an official FAA facility log from November 17, 1986, documenting an unidentified aerial target that paced flight JL1628 at FL350. The incident involved both visual and intermittent radar contact before the target disappeared.
Computer CDR Printout: Japan Air Lines Flight #1628 Radar Data
This document contains FAA radar data and internal correspondence regarding JAL Flight 1628, which the FAA attributed to 'split images' on radar. It provides detailed radar return logs and an explanation of uncorrelated radar signals.
The UFO That Can't Be Explained: JAL Flight 1628
JAL Flight 1628 reported a UFO encounter over Alaska in 1986, leading to significant media attention and FAA investigation. The FAA concluded the radar data represented 'uncorrelated targets' and declined to conduct further scientific study.
Analysis of Uncorrelated Primary and Beacon Targets (JAL-1628, 11/17/86 AKST)
This document provides an FAA technical analysis of radar data from the November 17, 1986, JAL 1628 flight. It concludes that the radar returns were 'uncorrelated primary and beacon targets,' a common electronic phenomenon, rather than evidence of an anomalous object.
Analysis of Uncorrelated Primary and Beacon Targets (JAL-1628)
The FAA analyzed radar data from JAL flight 1628 and concluded that reported 'split images' were technical artifacts known as 'uncorrelated primary and beacon targets' rather than evidence of an anomalous object. The phenomena resulted from timing differences between primary radar returns and transponder signals.
FAA Releases Documents on Reported UFO Sighting Last November
The FAA investigated a November 1986 UFO sighting by a JAL flight crew and concluded the radar data represented split returns from the aircraft and the visual sightings were likely caused by ice crystals. The agency stated it has no mandate to investigate UFOs.
Information: Alert Report - JAL #1628 Sighting
This document contains FAA records regarding the November 17, 1986, sighting of an unidentified object by JAL flight #1628. The crew reported a large, multi-colored object that was tracked by both onboard and ground radar, though military officials later attributed the radar returns to 'clutter'.
FAA Documents on Reported UFO Sighting of JAL #1628, November 17, 1986
The FAA investigated a November 1986 report of a UFO pacing a JAL cargo flight over Alaska. They concluded the radar returns were technical errors and found no evidence of an actual object.
1987 Alaska PRSA Aurora Award Category #8, 'Other' - JAL 1628 UFO Public Affairs Plan
The document is an FAA public affairs plan for managing the media response to the JAL 1628 UFO incident. It details the strategy to release all investigative data simultaneously to maintain transparency and concludes that the radar anomalies were technical artifacts.
FAA Correspondence Regarding Japan Air Lines Flight 1628 UFO Sighting
The document contains FAA correspondence from early 1987 regarding public requests for information on the JAL Flight 1628 UFO sighting. It details the FAA's efforts to compile and sell records, including radar data and pilot interviews, while noting an investigator's conclusion that the objects were likely planets.
Correspondence Regarding Japan Airlines UFO Sighting of November 17, 1986
This document contains various requests from the public to the FAA for information regarding the November 17, 1986, Japan Air Lines UFO sighting. It highlights the FAA's response in creating a mail-order package of sighting data, including radar imagery and interview transcripts.
Compilation of Public Inquiries Regarding Japan Air Lines UFO Sighting
A collection of public inquiries to the FAA in 1987 requesting documentation on the November 17, 1986, Japan Air Lines UFO sighting. The letters demonstrate public interest in the FAA's release of information regarding the incident.
FAA Mail-Order Package: Japan Air Lines UFO Sighting
The FAA compiled a $194.30 information package regarding a JAL pilot's 1986 UFO sighting in Alaska due to overwhelming public demand. The sighting was later attributed by investigator Philip J. Klass to the planet Jupiter.
Correspondence Regarding Japan Air Lines Flight 1628 UFO Sighting
This document set contains correspondence and internal FAA records regarding the November 17, 1986, JAL Flight 1628 UFO sighting. It details the public interest in the event and the FAA's process for releasing investigation materials.
Correspondence Regarding JAL Cargo Jet UFO Sighting Investigation Packet
The FAA received a high volume of public requests for information regarding the November 1986 JAL UFO sighting. The agency responded by selling an information packet containing radar data, interviews, and pilot drawings.
Correspondence Regarding Japan Air Lines Flight 1628 UFO Sighting
This document is a compilation of public inquiries to the FAA regarding the November 1986 JAL UFO sighting. It highlights the significant public interest generated by media reports and the FAA's administrative process for handling these FOIA requests.
Correspondence Regarding Japan Airlines UFO Sighting Information Requests
This document is a compilation of public inquiries sent to the FAA requesting information about a November 1986 Japan Airlines UFO sighting. The inquiries were prompted by a Paul Harvey news broadcast claiming the FAA held radar and audio evidence of the event.
Compilation of Press Reports on Japan Air Lines Flight 1628 UFO Sighting
Japan Air Lines Flight 1628 reported a 55-minute encounter with three unidentified objects over Alaska on November 17, 1986. The FAA officially attributed radar data to 'clutter' and visual sightings to atmospheric phenomena, though the incident remained a subject of significant public and media interest.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request Correspondence Regarding UFO Sightings in Alaska
The FAA informed John Greenewald, Jr. that records regarding the 1986 Japan Airlines flight JL 1628 UFO sighting were destroyed per agency policy. Only a brief ASIAS report was provided, noting unidentified radar traffic.
INFORMATION: Unidentified Traffic Sighting by Japan Airlines
This FAA memorandum details a 1986 sighting by Japan Airlines Flight 1628, where the pilot reported unidentified traffic that was not confirmed by Anchorage Center radar. While military radar reported primary returns, the official FAA review concluded that their radar data did not confirm the presence of the reported traffic.
Transcription concerning the incident involving Japan Airlines Flight 1628 on November 18, 1986
This document is an official FAA transcript of air traffic control communications from November 18, 1986, regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon encountered by Japan Airlines Flight 1628. It documents the interaction between the flight crew, Anchorage Center, and military radar controllers as they attempted to identify an object that was not squawking a transponder code.
Position Logs - Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center - November 18 1986
This document contains operational position logs from the Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center dated November 18, 1986. It was released through the FOIA research efforts of The Black Vault.
Personnel Statements Regarding Japan Airlines Flight 1628 Incident
This document contains personnel statements from FAA controllers at the Anchorage ARTCC regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon reported by Japan Airlines Flight 1628 on November 18, 1986. The reports detail conflicting observations of radar data and the attempts made by controllers to identify the object.
Audio Cassette Labels for Flight 1628
These are labels from audio cassettes containing interviews and radar data related to Flight 1628 from November 1986. The recordings include pilot interviews conducted in January 1987.
Transcription concerning the incident involving Japan Airlines Flight 1628 on November 18, 1986
This document is an official FAA transcript of communications between air traffic control and Japan Airlines Flight 1628 regarding an unidentified aerial object encountered over Alaska on November 18, 1986. The transcript documents the crew's visual reports and the corresponding primary radar returns observed by ground control.
JAPAN AIRLINES #628, January 11, 1987, Captain Terauchi
Japan Airlines Flight 628 reported an unidentified object over Alaska on January 11, 1987. FAA investigation concluded the sighting was likely village lights distorted by atmospheric ice crystals.
Unknown Traffic Sighted by Alaska Airlines Crew on Onboard Weather Radar
Alaska Airlines Flight 53 reported an unidentified, high-speed radar target on January 29, 1987, near McGrath, Alaska. FAA and military investigations confirmed no known aircraft were in the area, and ground-based radar did not corroborate the sighting.