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ZLA controller described a loss of separation event due to an emergency descent and attempted to clear restricted airspace.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 982754 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201112 |
| Local Time Of Day | 1201-1800 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZLA.ARTCC |
| State Reference | CA |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | Medium Transport Low Wing 2 Turboprop Eng |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 91 |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Aircraft 2 | |
| Make Model Name | Medium Large Transport Low Wing 2 Turbojet Eng |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Enroute |
| Qualification | Air Traffic Control Fully Certified |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude |
Narrative:
Aircraft X at FL450 was eastbound just south of R2501. Aircraft Y was westbound at FL430. When the aircraft were approximately ten miles apart I applied merging target procedures. When the aircraft were approximately four miles apart aircraft X made a transmission that I could not understand. I then saw aircraft X descend from the assigned altitude of FL450. I told aircraft X to maintain FL450. Aircraft X made another transmission; also difficult to understand; but I understood that he was in an emergency descent. I issued an immediate 30 degree left turn to and advised aircraft Y that aircraft X was descending. Aircraft Y advised aircraft X was in sight. Aircraft X then began a left turn while descending. I asked aircraft X to what altitude he was descending. Aircraft X replied FL250. I issued a clearance to fly heading 030 to keep aircraft X clear of R2501; which was released to ATC at or above FL270. Aircraft X refused. I then issued FL270 which aircraft X accepted. With the help of sector 37; we able to keep other aircraft from being involved. Aircraft X was routed direct to a nearby airport. I transferred radar and communication to sector 37.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: ZLA Controller described a loss of separation event due to an emergency descent and attempted to clear restricted airspace.
Narrative: Aircraft X at FL450 was eastbound just south of R2501. Aircraft Y was westbound at FL430. When the aircraft were approximately ten miles apart I applied merging target procedures. When the aircraft were approximately four miles apart Aircraft X made a transmission that I could not understand. I then saw Aircraft X descend from the assigned altitude of FL450. I told Aircraft X to maintain FL450. Aircraft X made another transmission; also difficult to understand; but I understood that he was in an emergency descent. I issued an immediate 30 degree left turn to and advised Aircraft Y that Aircraft X was descending. Aircraft Y advised Aircraft X was in sight. Aircraft X then began a left turn while descending. I asked Aircraft X to what altitude he was descending. Aircraft X replied FL250. I issued a clearance to fly heading 030 to keep Aircraft X clear of R2501; which was released to ATC at or above FL270. Aircraft X refused. I then issued FL270 which Aircraft X accepted. With the help of Sector 37; we able to keep other aircraft from being involved. Aircraft X was routed direct to a nearby airport. I transferred RADAR and communication to Sector 37.
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.