Narrative:

A B717 was climbing to FL290; I had aircraft flashing to next sector which was sector 46. I was distracted with other aircraft and didn't realize the next sector failed to accept hand off prior to entering their airspace. The hand off was initiated several minutes in advance of boundary crossing. I called the sector for a hand off; they replied 'unable'. I asked what they wanted and they asked me what the aircraft was doing. That is when I realized the aircraft was off course. We coordinated for the aircraft to proceed to a downwind fix; which was also its present heading and they accepted the hand off. I asked the aircraft if they were left on a heading they replied 'no' I asked them to verify their route cleared. Their route was J73 which was about 15 miles west of their course. I advised them of this; cleared them to bna and shipped them to the next controller. I quick-looked the next sector and noticed they had minimal traffic. I feel they intentionally refused the hand off to make a point. Additionally; the filed route of J73 was not the normal route; although it is not an uncommon route. The normal route would [have] placed the aircraft pretty much right where it was. This is why; even though I was aware of the destination; I assumed I knew the route and didn't actually read it. They next controller could have called me timely and inquire why the aircraft was off course instead of waiting for me to call for the hand off. First thing I should have done was read the flight plan and known the route instead of assuming I knew the route. Secondly; since traffic volume was a bit high; I should have asked for a d-side. I didn't think I needed one; but obviously I did since I didn't notice the hand off not taken. The procedures are fine. I made a mistake and I think the situation could have been avoided if the next controller had been more of a team player. I always teach my trainees; to never allow a deviation to knowing happen. Always call and help the next person out. Do not sit and watch a violation happen. I am not saying this is what occurred but I feel it is what occurred.

Google
 

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: ZAU Controller described an airspace incursion indicating the adjacent airspace controller could have provided assistance but failed for unknown reasons.

Narrative: A B717 was climbing to FL290; I had aircraft flashing to next sector which was Sector 46. I was distracted with other aircraft and didn't realize the next sector failed to accept hand off prior to entering their airspace. The hand off was initiated several minutes in advance of boundary crossing. I called the sector for a hand off; they replied 'Unable'. I asked what they wanted and they asked me what the aircraft was doing. That is when I realized the aircraft was off course. We coordinated for the aircraft to proceed to a downwind fix; which was also its present heading and they accepted the hand off. I asked the aircraft if they were left on a heading they replied 'no' I asked them to verify their route cleared. Their route was J73 which was about 15 miles west of their course. I advised them of this; cleared them to BNA and shipped them to the next controller. I quick-looked the next sector and noticed they had minimal traffic. I feel they intentionally refused the hand off to make a point. Additionally; the filed route of J73 was not the normal route; although it is not an uncommon route. The normal route would [have] placed the aircraft pretty much right where it was. This is why; even though I was aware of the destination; I assumed I knew the route and didn't actually read it. They next controller could have called me timely and inquire why the aircraft was off course instead of waiting for me to call for the hand off. First thing I should have done was read the Flight Plan and known the route instead of assuming I knew the route. Secondly; since traffic volume was a bit high; I should have asked for a D-Side. I didn't think I needed one; but obviously I did since I didn't notice the hand off not taken. The procedures are fine. I made a mistake and I think the situation could have been avoided if the next controller had been more of a team player. I always teach my trainees; to never allow a deviation to knowing happen. Always call and help the next person out. Do not sit and watch a violation happen. I am not saying this is what occurred but I feel it is what occurred.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.