GREAT LAKES REGION 14
ERIC VANSTROM
FORT WAYNE ATCT
In this dramatic flight assist, a Piper PA-32R-301T lost navigation during
a severe weather incident. The pilot was unable to correct course on
his own and was in a circling descent. Fort Wayne (FWA) controller Eric
Vanstrom immediately identified that the aircraft was in distress and
began issuing navigational aid. The pilot informed Vanstrom that they
were having trouble with the VSI (vertical speed indicator).
Due to the poor weather, Vanstrom recommended the pilot change
course to Portland, Ind. Municipal Airport (PLD), which was reporting VFR
conditions, and set the pilot up on an RNAV Runway 9 approach.
Vanstrom: Cherokee 63W, fly straight. Just stop the turn and fly straight from
right there. Let me know what your heading…what you think it is. Just fly
straight from right there, level flight.
N4363W: Yeah, rog…roger. Now we're showing tracking 1-3-1. We're having
an issue with our VSI, 63W.
Vanstrom: Okay, roger that. Just continue the 1-3-0 heading for now. We'll get
you set up for the approach down in Portland.
The pilot continued to appear disoriented and had trouble maintaining
steady flight on final approach. Vanstrom watched the aircraft perform
multiple circles and altitude changes, which caused several passes below
the minimum vectoring altitude (MVA). Vanstrom calmly issued corrective
headings and altitudes and made sure that the pilot had weather
information for PLD.
Example of a Piper PA-32R-301T
