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11 GREAT LAKES GREAT LAKES REGION REGION Around 14,000 feet, the windshield finally began to clear. The pilot realized the aircraft had entered a steep nose-low attitude. Having previously received aerobatic training, the pilot recovered the aircraft without sustaining structural damage, located a spare pair of glasses, and, with Marcum's guidance, began navigating toward Huntingburg Regional Airport (HNB). Marcum continued providing composed, reassuring guidance while the team of controllers remained focused on supporting the operation. When the aircraft remained high on final approach into Huntingburg, Marcum suggested a 360-degree turn to safely reduce the plane's altitude rather than having N725VB force an unstable approach. A few moments later, the aircraft landed safely. After shutting down the engine, the pilot found the missing glasses in the plane's back seat. Investigators later found an electrical distributor failure caused the emergency. Even more remarkably, the aircraft had regained pressurization during the descent, although neither the pilot nor the controllers knew it at the time. In the aftermath, the pilot of N725VB made it clear that Marcum's composure was central to the successful outcome. However, the steady voice heard over the frequency represented far more than one controller. While Marcum communicated directly with the aircraft, McGarrah, Melendez, Mohid, and Austreng worked behind the scenes — coordinating with surrounding sectors, gathering information, and ensuring Marcum could focus exclusively on the pilot. The team's professionalism, clear communication, and steady flow of essential information allowed the pilot to focus on the one task that mattered most: regaining control of the aircraft and returning safely to the ground. Together, Marcum, McGarrah, Melendez, Mohid, and Austreng demonstrated the professionalism, teamwork, and composure that define the very best of air traffic control. Their coordinated efforts transformed a rapidly escalating emergency into a safe conclusion. Congratulations to the 2026 Great Lakes Region Archie League Medal of Safety Award recipients: Clayton Austreng, Karl Marcum, Mark McGarrah, Ben Melendez, and Dan Mohid! Ben Melendez Indianapolis ARTCC ZID Dan Mohid Indianapolis ARTCC ZID By Sarah Simek (Grand Forks ATCT, GFK) Ben Melendez Dan Mohid

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