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The airspace around the Anchorage bowl is a complex mix of General Aviation, Commercial Air Carrier, Air Taxi and Military operations. Complicated airspace restrictions and proximity to airports create a very dynamic and often challenging array of air traffic scenarios. Merrill Field (MRI) was established in 1930 and is situated in the heart of downtown Anchorage, Alaska. With proximity to Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and shared airspace boundaries with both Lake Hood (LHD) and Elmendorf Air Force Base (EDF), MRI can often be described as "fun chaos that happens every day" says MRI member Nathan Midthun. On the morning of Dec. 8, 2021, MRI was finishing up snow removal operations from a winter storm the day before. Airport operations were actively clearing snow on the arrival end of Runway 07, while aircraft operations were being reduced to the smaller crosswind Runway 34. Meanwhile at Anchorage International, TransNorthern 123 (a Douglas DC3 manufactured in 1952) was departing Runway 07L en route to Kodiak, Alaska with a load of cargo. Shortly after takeoff, TransNorthern 123 experienced a loss of engine power and requested to return for landing. Anchorage controllers quickly coordinated with MRI and informed them of the situation. TransNorthern 123 advised that that they would be continuing north bound into MRI's airspace due to a reduced climb rate. MRI member Brent Eber was working the Local Control position when he noticed TransNorthern very low over the city. Eber worked all over the world as an air traffic controller with the United States Air Force before beginning his career with the FAA in 2008. As a veteran controller, Eber knew something wasn't right. As he looked out at the DC3 through binoculars, "it just didn't seem like he was climbing, and that MRI was a viable option for landing" says Eber. Eber also recognized the pilot was a regular at MRI and had considerable experience flying in and out. Eber sprang into action and immediately instructed the snow removal vehicles to exit the runway where they were working. ALASKAN REGION 8 Brent Eber Merrill Field ATCT (MRI) Nathan Midthun Merrill Field ATCT (MRI) By Eric Mauro (Merrill Field ATCT, MRI)

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