NATCA Bookshelf

12th Annual Archie League Medal of Safety Awards

A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association

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20 The pilot of a Piper Lance had a clear takeoff from Runway 13, but shortly after liftoff, the aircraft suffered a complete electrical failure. The pilot failed to respond to calls to adjust departure course and the transponder reply was never seen. He dialed 911 from his personal cell phone in an attempt to communicate with the tower, but the call dropped. The quick-thinking 911 dispatcher called the tower and informed the controllers on duty that a pilot in an emergency situation had attempted to call them. When the pilot called 911 again, the dispatcher patched him through to the tower where Wade H. Martin IV and Nick Valadez were working. 911 Dispatch: This is Stephanie with 9-1-1. I have the pilot that was having the electrical issues and couldn't land. I have him on the line. Martin: Please connect him. 911 Dispatch: OK. Just a moment. N4432B: Hello? Martin: Hey, can you hear me? N4432B: Barely. Martin spoke to the pilot and arranged for a low approach fly-by with runway lights turned all the way up so the pilot could make better visual contact Late at night on Oct. 11, 2015, weather was clear at Dallas/Love Field (DAL) with normal departure traffic. WADE H. MARTIN IV Dallas/Love Field ATCT NICK VALADEZ Dallas/Love Field ATCT

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