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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
