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An air carrier flight crew lost communication with ATC in the final phase of flight and during approach. Communication was regained prior to landing.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1315215 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201512 |
| Local Time Of Day | 0001-0600 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZZZ.ARTCC |
| State Reference | US |
| Environment | |
| Flight Conditions | VMC |
| Light | Night |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | Medium Large Transport Low Wing 2 Turbojet Eng |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 121 |
| Flight Phase | Descent |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | First Officer Pilot Flying |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) |
| Experience | Flight Crew Last 90 Days 218 Flight Crew Total 4297 Flight Crew Type 4297 |
| Person 2 | |
| Function | Pilot Not Flying Captain |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) |
| Experience | Flight Crew Last 90 Days 110 |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | ATC Issue All Types Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude Deviation - Procedural Clearance Deviation - Track / Heading All Types |
Narrative:
While in the descent/arrival phase of flight; we were cleared direct to a fix and to descend and maintain 7000 ft. At this time center also handed us off to the next center. In compliance with the clearance; we proceeded direct to the fix and descended to 7000 ft. The hand-off to the next center was successful and the captain was able to establish communication. However; as we were approaching the fix; with no further clearance; the captain attempted to query the new center 2-3 times for further instructions. With no response; as we passed the fix at 7000 ft.; I initiated a right procedure turn (northwest) and initiated a descent to 2500 ft. As we completed the procedure turn; the captain was able to re-establish communication. The center controller expressed concern about the fact that we had proceeded past the fix and descended below 7000 ft without further clearance. However; he did not ask for follow-up communication via landline. The center controller cleared us to continue the RNAV (GPS) approach. We landed without incident and cancelled our flight plan once we were on the ground.once we determined we were not in contact with center; we had no way of knowing when or if we would be able to re-establish communication with them and we had a limited amount of fuel left. Additionally; TCAS displayed no other aircraft operating in the area. Based on these circumstances; the captain and I decided to fly the published RNAV (GPS) approach procedure and proceed to the airport.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: An Air Carrier flight crew lost communication with ATC in the final phase of flight and during approach. Communication was regained prior to landing.
Narrative: While in the descent/arrival phase of flight; we were cleared direct to a fix and to descend and maintain 7000 ft. At this time Center also handed us off to the next Center. In compliance with the clearance; we proceeded direct to the fix and descended to 7000 ft. The hand-off to the next Center was successful and the Captain was able to establish communication. However; as we were approaching the fix; with no further clearance; the Captain attempted to query the new Center 2-3 times for further instructions. With no response; as we passed the fix at 7000 ft.; I initiated a right procedure turn (northwest) and initiated a descent to 2500 ft. As we completed the procedure turn; the Captain was able to re-establish communication. The Center Controller expressed concern about the fact that we had proceeded past the fix and descended below 7000 ft without further clearance. However; he did not ask for follow-up communication via landline. The Center Controller cleared us to continue the RNAV (GPS) approach. We landed without incident and cancelled our flight plan once we were on the ground.Once we determined we were not in contact with Center; we had no way of knowing when or if we would be able to re-establish communication with them and we had a limited amount of fuel left. Additionally; TCAS displayed no other aircraft operating in the area. Based on these circumstances; the Captain and I decided to fly the published RNAV (GPS) approach procedure and proceed to the airport.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.