Jesse Anderson
Brackett Field ATCT
22
On December 7, 2014, Jesse Anderson, a seven-year
veteran air traffic controller at Brackett Field ATCT, was
working a local control position when N1120Z was inbound
from the east. Anderson, who was working two other aircraft
at the time, told the pilot of the Cessna Skyhawk the ATIS
information when he requested it, rather than having the
pilot switch frequencies.
After, Anderson realized the Skyhawk pilot turned towards
Cable Airport, a private, uncontrolled airport four miles
northeast of Brackett, putting him and other pilots flying in
the airspace in danger. Anderson quickly called N1120Z
and told him to turn away from the airport, while giving traffic
alerts. During this time, the pilot inadvertently joined the
downwind for Cable and was in conflict with all three aircraft
who were in the pattern.
Anderson: Cessna 20Z, traffic 12 o'clock one mile opposite
direction, altitude indicating 2,300.
N1120Z: Altitude 2,000, uh, 2,300.
Anderson: Cessna 20Z, traffic passing off your left, traffic
alert 2,300 eastbound, type unknown.
N1120Z: Traffic in sight, 20Z.
Anderson observed N1120Z turn northbound and told him
to turn east instead, away from the other aircraft. Once
established on a course away from Cable, Anderson then
told the Skyhawk pilot to turn right on a suggested heading
of 260. Once he observed N1120Z turn east, he told the
pilot to continue his right turn and finally got him flying west
towards Brackett again.
The pilot was now on the right track to land at Brackett Airport.
However, he needed to climb to avoid terrain, so Anderson
quickly issued him a safe altitude. As he was climbing, the
pilot called Anderson and, sounding distressed, told him
he was directly facing the sun and could not see the airport.
Anderson swiftly and effectively worked the traffic and
assisted the disoriented Skyhawk pilot. He continued to talk
to him in a calm voice to help the pilot reorient himself and
get the airport in sight.
