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8 Every day is a training day, and November 3, 2024, was no exception. Devin Turner was training Nathaniel Mencke on the R3 radar position at Cedar Rapids ATCT (CID). While Turner's expertise was crucial during the event, the role of trainee Mencke was equally vital. That afternoon, N1351C, a Cessna 177B Cardinal enroute from Oklahoma City, entered the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, airspace at 5,000 feet in preparation for the RNAV Runway 25 approach into Iowa City Municipal Airport. Weather conditions across eastern Iowa were poor, with low ceilings and widespread instrument meteorological conditions plaguing the area. The experienced pilot, with more than 2,500 flight hours, requested vectors for a straight-in approach. As N1351C was cleared for the approach, Turner and Mencke noticed the pilot was struggling to intercept the final approach course. Mencke issued vectors to intercept, but without success. When asked if they were established on the approach, the pilot said they were "wobbling around," indicating to Turner and Mencke that there may be more to the situation other than strong southerly winds. Mencke asked the pilot if she would like to be vectored around for another attempt. She agreed and was issued a new heading and altitude assignment. The pilot expressed concern about antennas in the area, but Turner keyed up and assured the pilot that with her altitude assignment, she would remain above the minimum vectoring altitude (MVA). The pilot responded with "5-1-Charlie, uh, I'm trying to get some instruments here." What followed was a terrifying series of spiraling descents over the course of several minutes as the pilot battled spatial disorientation inside the clouds. N1351C began rapidly turning and descending. Seeing this, Turner urgently issued a climb to 3,200 feet, but was met with no response. With the aircraft still turning and descending, Mencke instructed the pilot to "level your wings and climb," followed by a low altitude alert. Again, there was no response from the pilot. The aircraft continued a spiraling descent to 1,800 feet before it finally started to climb. Passing through CENTR A L R EGION CENTR A L R EGION Devin Turner Cedar Rapids ATCT CID Nathaniel Mencke Cedar Rapids ATCT CID Wri en by Bryan Mar ni (Sioux Gateway ATCT, SUX)

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