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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.
Mr. Paul Steucke Public Affairs Off ice FAA Alaskan Region 701 C St., Box 14 Anchorage, Alaska 99513 Dear Paul: PHILIP J. KLASS 404 "N" ST. SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON. D. C. 20024 C202> !SIS4·15'101 May 2, 1987 Thank you for the JAL1628 radar plot data provided with your letter of April 17. It has been most useful in enabling me to plot the JAL flight path on an aeronautical chart for the region and to show the approximate position of the aircraft, the relative bearings to Jupiter, Mars and the full Moon at key points in the flight, as well as "highlight" remarks by the pilot on the approximate position of the reported "UFO." I enclose a copy of it to any interested parties ially). An extra copy is noted and it can be returned my plot and invite you to submit who might wish to comment (unoff ic- enclosed so that any errors can be to me. Because the arrow-head used to show aircraft location is roughly 10 nautical miles in length in terms of the aero-chart scale-factor, the JAL1628 and UA69 positions necessarily are only approximate. And I am not seeking comment on the bearings shown to Jupiter, Mars or the Moon. That info comes from Cleveland astronomer Nick Sanduleak who, incidentally, discovered the star "Sanduleak" which recently exploded to produce a Supernova. (How would you like to discover a star, have it named in your honor- --only to have it explode and disappear a few years later??) Reference the "highlight report" sent to you earlier, you do have my permission to share it with anyone in the FAA who might be interested. As indicated therein, the data accumulated and released by the Alaskan Region has been invaluable in analyzing this incident and in finding a prosaic explanation. You have my permission to use my favorable comments on your procedure in any way you think appropriate. Cordially, ~~
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