JAL Flight 1628 UFO Encounter
A Japan Air Lines cargo flight over Alaska was paced by two small UFOs and then a massive 'mothership' the size of two aircraft carriers. Captain Kenju Terauchi, a veteran pilot, reported the 50-minute encounter. FAA radar confirmed unknown returns. One of aviation's best-documented cases.
A veteran pilot encountered a UFO the size of an aircraft carrier.
The Flight
On November 17, 1986, JAL Flight 1628, a cargo flight from Paris to Tokyo via Alaska, carried three crew members including Captain Kenju Terauchi.
The Encounter
What happened: Two small lights appeared and paced the aircraft. Then a massive object appeared, described as the “size of two aircraft carriers” for a duration of 50 minutes.
The Captain
Kenju Terauchi had 29 years of experience as a former fighter pilot and veteran international pilot. He filed a detailed report and never recanted.
FAA Involvement
Official response confirmed radar returns. Ground radar tracked the objects. John Callahan investigated and files were preserved, later released.
The Objects
What was observed: Two smaller craft with lights in formation, then a giant walnut-shaped “mothership” of massive scale.
The Aftermath
What followed: Terauchi was grounded temporarily, media attention followed, FAA investigated, Callahan became a whistleblower, and the case remains unexplained.