Evidence Explorer

On January 29, 1987, Alaska Airlines Flight 53 reported an unidentified target on their weather radar while flying at 35,000 feet near McGrath, Alaska. The target moved rapidly and was not visually confirmed by the crew. FAA and USAF investigations found no other aircraft in the area.

This document contains a transcript of a communication between an aircraft (Alaska fifty-three) and air traffic control regarding an unidentified radar blip that was observed during flight. The blip moved at high speed and disappeared from radar without visual confirmation.

This document is a transcript of a communication involving military aircraft operations, indicating that there should not be any military aircraft in the vicinity at the time of the conversation. The clarity of the recording is noted as poor, with some unintelligible parts.

This document is a transcription of recorded conversations related to an incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 53 on January 30, 1987. The transcription covers communications between the Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center and the flight crew.

This document is a personnel statement from the Federal Aviation Administration regarding an incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 53 on January 30, 1987. The Assistant Manager of Automation at the Anchorage ARTCC reviewed radar data and found no evidence of the reported aircraft.