At approximately 1732Z on 2025-01-27, while cruising at 36,000 ft northwest of Sitka after passing BKA VOR and proceeding direct LAIRE, the pilot observed through the R1 window what initially appeared to be oncoming traffic not on TCAS. As it came abeam, the object was seen ~1,000 ft below and ~0.5 NM to the right. 

It was described as a saucer-shaped craft ~60–70 ft long with a long, telescopic/segmented vertical structure fixed underneath, estimated ~20 ft in length. The surface was very reflective, aluminum-metallic, with no visible lights. Relative motion appeared slow or stationary compared to a normal crossing airplane. Size was judged as about half a Boeing 737. Total on-scene observation was 5–7 seconds. No emissions, interaction with surroundings, or electromagnetic effects were noted.

Commercial Air

While cruising northwest of Sitka, Alaska, the pilot flying Alaska Flight 85 observed a metallic, disc-shaped object with a telescopic/segmented appendage fixed beneath it. The object passed ~1,000 ft below and ~0.5 NM to the right of the aircraft, appeared slow or stationary relative to normal crossing traffic, and was not displayed on TCAS. Estimated size was ~60–70 ft (about half a Boeing 737). Observed for ~5 seconds. 


Report ID: COM-2025-718

Summary

Witness Background

Event Narrative

Media

Dive in Deeper