A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1164912
15 Nick Ferro and Charles Terry's quick thinking and tremendous teamwork was the clear difference between one of two outcomes; an almost certain fatality, or a routine safe landing. Not surprisingly, this type of professionalism and work ethic is nothing new for Nick and Charles. They have made the impossible look routine, and are an absolute credit to their profession. Terry issued multiple corrective headings and a minimum altitude to maintain. Dr. Heckman seemed to be circling when he said "almost VFR, just a bit more descending to get there." Soon after, with the aircraft at only 3,300 feet and only 31 knots, Terry declared an emergency for Dr. Heckman. "I think the 31 knot ground airspeed was an anomalous readout due to the pilot spiraling the aircraft down (the 210 stalls at 60 kts IAS [indicated airspeed] clean, with flaps and gear retracted, and 53 KIAS landing configuration)," Terry said. "While there was wind aloft affecting the ground speed, it was only 10-15 knots. After all the random turns and lack of altitude control, it was my impression that the pilot likely hadn't gone through the landing checklist, and the most important item for the 210 is the landing gear." Dr. Heckman cancelled IFR flight and said he was out of the clouds. Terry called visual flight rules (VFR) conditions but Dr. Heckman's VFR altitude was only a few hundred feet above terrain. Terry knew from experience there were many un-lit towers in the vicinity, so he stood up and correlated sectional chart information with video map location and called obstructions. "There were a few low altitude alerts issued and a low speed advisory," Terry said. Finally, Dr. Heckman confirmed that he had ground contact and that his landing gear was down. Terry asked that he call in to ZID so they could make sure he was safe. Soon after, the aircraft was safely on the ground at LOZ. ZID learned later that the aircraft had some work done on the engine block heater the day before the incident. Dr. Heckman said it seemed he had popped a bolt or two loose and was sputtering oil all over the windshield. But neither problem was raised on frequency during the flight or during the phone call with ZID afterward. ยป Great Lakes Regional Vice President Drew MacQueen: