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16 In a profession where seconds matter and lives depend on clear-headed decision- making, Denver Center (ZDV) air traffic controller Jonathan Rossell exemplified extraordinary composure, teamwork, and resourcefulness in a situation involving a disoriented pilot navigating mountainous terrain and worsening weather conditions. The incident began on June 29, 2024, when a small aircraft, N484FS, departed Sturgis Airport (49B) in South Dakota, flying Visual Flight Rules (VFR) with flight following westbound toward Sheridan, Wyo. (SHR). Shortly after departure, the aircraft was handed off to Denver Center. Due to low altitude, radar contact with the aircraft was lost, and communications quickly revealed troubling signs. The pilot was disoriented, unsure of his location, and facing deteriorating weather. A language barrier compounded the issue. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Jonathan and his fellow ZDV controllers decided to split sectors to provide better service to N484FS and other low altitude aircraft. Realizing the pilot was navigating in the wrong direction — flying east instead of west toward his intended destination — Jonathan used his expertise to begin guiding the pilot back on course. Complicating the rescue was the aircraft's altitude, which kept it below radar coverage. Jonathan asked the pilot to climb in hopes of re-establishing radar contact, and when asked if he was Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) qualified, the pilot responded uncertainly and admitted the weather was bad — a strong indication that he was entering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without the training or experience to manage them. Jonathan coordinated an emergency landing at the nearest airport, Hulett Municipal Airport (W43). He then reached out to other aircraft in the vicinity for assistance. A nearby jet, EJA371, answered the call. With guidance from Jonathan, the crew of EJA371 descended to minimum safe altitude, adjusted their traffic collision NORTHWEST MOUNTAIN R EGION NORTHWEST MOUNTAIN R EGION Jonathan Rossell Denver Center ZDV Wri en by Jessica Rakovi s (Great Falls ATCT, GTF)

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