 |
37000 Feet | Browse and search NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System |
|
TRACON controller described a loss of separation event during multiple equipment failures; complicated further by challenging weather conditions.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 977254 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201110 |
| Local Time Of Day | 1801-2400 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZZZ.Airport |
| State Reference | US |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | B737-800 |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 121 |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Route In Use | Vectors |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Aircraft 2 | |
| Make Model Name | Learjet 60 |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Route In Use | Vectors |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Departure Approach |
| Qualification | Air Traffic Control Fully Certified |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | ATC Issue All Types Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy |
Narrative:
A B737 and a learjet were on vectors; opposite direction to one another at 5;000 ft. TRACON was experiencing multiple system failures during the event; including failures of most instrument landing systems; due to a snow storm. During the event; traffic volume and complexity moved from moderate to heavy. Several aircraft were reporting erroneous information on the ATIS as they checked in. Specifically; the ATIS was advertising that the runway in use; at the time; was closed. Also; due to the failure of the ILS at ZZZ; we were on an RNAV approach. The RNAV approach required a certain RVR; which several aircraft inquired about; however; the RVR equipment also failed; adding to the confusion and frequency congestion. I allowed myself to become somewhat distracted by these issues; as well as attempting to verify what was being advertised on the ATIS through the flm and trying to get visibility information through a PIREP. I then began to lose separation between the B737 and the learjet. I attempted to issue and immediate right turn to the B737; but my initial attempt was blocked due to the frequency congestion. My second attempt was successful; however; by this time separation was lost. Recommendation; ATIS information that kept up with the rapidly changing conditions would have helped. I also question the prudence of running an RNAV approach; which is contingent on a reportable RVR value; when the RVR reporting equipment has failed.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: TRACON Controller described a loss of separation event during multiple equipment failures; complicated further by challenging weather conditions.
Narrative: A B737 and a Learjet were on vectors; opposite direction to one another at 5;000 FT. TRACON was experiencing multiple system failures during the event; including failures of most instrument landing systems; due to a snow storm. During the event; traffic volume and complexity moved from moderate to heavy. Several aircraft were reporting erroneous information on the ATIS as they checked in. Specifically; the ATIS was advertising that the runway in use; at the time; was closed. Also; due to the failure of the ILS at ZZZ; we were on an RNAV approach. The RNAV approach required a certain RVR; which several aircraft inquired about; however; the RVR equipment also failed; adding to the confusion and frequency congestion. I allowed myself to become somewhat distracted by these issues; as well as attempting to verify what was being advertised on the ATIS through the FLM and trying to get visibility information through a PIREP. I then began to lose separation between the B737 and the Learjet. I attempted to issue and immediate right turn to the B737; but my initial attempt was blocked due to the frequency congestion. My second attempt was successful; however; by this time separation was lost. Recommendation; ATIS information that kept up with the rapidly changing conditions would have helped. I also question the prudence of running an RNAV approach; which is contingent on a reportable RVR value; when the RVR reporting equipment has failed.
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.