JAL Flight 1628 UFO Encounter
A Japanese cargo pilot encountered a massive UFO over Alaska—he estimated it was the size of two aircraft carriers. His radar showed it. Ground radar confirmed it. The FAA investigated. His career was destroyed.
JAL Flight 1628 is one of the most credible pilot UFO encounters on record.
The Flight
According to documented reports, on November 17, 1986, JAL cargo flight 1628 flew from Paris to Tokyo via Alaska. The Boeing 747 cargo aircraft carried an experienced crew in clear weather conditions.
The Encounter
Captain Kenju Terauchi reported two small craft appeared and followed the plane. Then a massive object appeared, the size of two aircraft carriers, and followed for 50 minutes.
The Description
The main craft was enormous in size, walnut-shaped, with lights around the perimeter. It moved with the plane, then suddenly vanished.
Radar Confirmation
The sighting was supported by aircraft radar contacts, FAA ground radar, military radar data, and multiple operator confirmations providing 32 minutes of tracking.
FAA Investigation
John Callahan, the FAA Division Chief, preserved the evidence and later revealed CIA involvement. Data was confiscated, and a cover-up was alleged.
The Aftermath
Captain Terauchi was grounded from flying and his career was effectively ended. He never recanted his story, is considered highly credible, and maintained his account until death.