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This FAA file, released through The Black Vault, collects correspondence and memos about the Japan Air Lines flight 1628 UFO report over Alaska on November 17, 1986. It includes Philip J. Klass's 1987 Skeptical Inquirer article, which attributes the sighting to Jupiter, Mars and moonlit ice clouds, and FAA Alaskan Region public affairs memos on the premature release of investigation material. It also contains Richard F. Haines's request for the case file and Paul Steucke's reply explaining the radar returns as uncorrelated targets.
us Depornnen! o f TransportatlOll Federal Aviation Administration April 1, 1987 Mr. Philip J. Klass 404 N Street Southwest Washington, D.C. 20024 Dear Mr. Klass: A la s k an R e~ll o (907) 271-5296 -0 1 C S 1r e e 1. E u Y 14 A:-irh o r o ;J E. f- l <: ~ r a 9Sl5 1 3 In answer to your question regarding the correct flight path of JAL Flight 1628 on November 17, 1986, the path marked on the aero chart is the correct flight path. Our Air Traffic Division evaluation specialists assure me that the flight path was charted from the recorded radar data. Also, the transcription of communication between the air traffic controller and the pilot shows that the controller (after JAL 1628 had changed altitude and had done a 360° turn) said: "Japan Air sixteen twenty eight heavy roger at your discretion proceed direct Talkeetna Jay one two five Anchorage" While we appreciate your offer to speak to our air traffic controllers on the subject of UFO issues, the FAA in not concerned with UFO's per se. The FAA's primary concern in all cases is the safety of the airspace. The controller is expected to maintain separation of air traffic and to determine whether any unauthorized aircraft is in the area. That is just what the controllers did at the time of the JAL flight 1628 sighting. The enclosed statement, "Lack of 'Scientific' Investigation," explains our position on the matter. Sincerely, .:id ~ /Jlμ V-; -~l Steucke ~ ~~~lie Affairs Officer Enclosure
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