A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1539587
22 On the late morning of Aug. 21, 2024 while working local control, Joseph "YO" Seimas was relayed information from the Friant area radar controller about an emergency F-15 inbound — Noble42, an F-15 from the California Air National Guard's 144th Fighter Wing : "Noble42 hydraulic issue with intentions of engaging the arresting cable, minimum fuel, and ordinance onboard the aircraft." Noble42 then entered from the north for the downwind and was intending for a normal arrested rollout for Runway 29 right at FAT. A safety device stretched across the runway that military jets can hook onto to stop quickly in an emergency, BAK-14 east cable, which the local California Air National Guard 144th Fighter Wing uses for safety operations, was raised and ready for an arrested landing. Joseph then noticed that Noble42 had not slowed down and the high speed of the aircraft appeared to have broken the cable. Unknown to anyone at this time, the arresting hook on the F-15 was completely sheared and broken and was in pieces on the runway, an arrested landing would not be possible. Noble42 was airborne again, the pilot requested airborne assistance for an inspection by another F-15. Not having any military aircraft in the air, Joseph reached out to Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore for help. Since Joseph had been stationed at NAS Lemoore for six years prior to joining the FAA, he knew the airbase would be open and likely have dozens F-18s or F-35s that could assist. Joseph explained the situation to NAS Lemoore approach, and they began looking for available aircraft to assist. Meanwhile, Joseph asked the pilot to make a low pass over the taxiway for a controller visual inspection, and then attempt to catch the BAK-14 west cable on Runway 11L from the opposite direction. After the ground controller cleared the taxiway, Noble42 did a low-and-slow pass by the tower for a closer look, and everything appeared good for landing. Seimas explained that in the event of another go around the pilot's other option would be to NAS Lemoore, 30 miles south. With Noble42 low on fuel, the pilot was aware of the situation W ESTER N PACIFIC R EGION W ESTER N PACIFIC R EGION Joseph Seimas Fresno ATCT FAT Wri en by Ariana Seimas (Fresno ATCT, FAT)