Air Traffic Out Of Control

In this episode, a Maregrass Saab 2000 is carrying the Auburn University basketball team from Auburn to Houston when a fight breaks out on board. The pilot declares an emergency and requests to divert to Montgomery to have authorities deal with the out of control players. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, a small aircraft radios the tower at Palo Alto Airport (PAO) reporting low fuel. The pilot makes an emergency landing on nearby Highway 85, while the controller enlists help from a Cirrus pilot in the area. The helpful Cirrus pilot locates the aircraft which was upside down on the side of the highway and confirms that emergency crews had responded to the incident. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, a UPS MD-11 (Flight 753) is going from Dallas to Rockford when pilots declare an emergency. They are experiencing unreliable airspeed and navigation issues with the aircraft. The crew suspects the plane has been struck by lightning which is leading to these numerous problems. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we go to Washington Regan Airport (DCA). A U.S. Coast Guard Blackjack helicopter is performing an air defense scramble in the area, which halts all traffic at the airport. The tower stands by and tries to keep the anxious pilots at bay. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, Jet Blue flight 2892 is making the approach to New York JFK airport when the pilot declares an emergency. He is reporting a fuel imbalance and suspects a fuel leak on the aircraft. Crews on the ground confirm the aircraft has an active leak coming from the right wing as the aircraft makes its landing. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, Skywest flight 5263 is taking off from Denver, when it strikes a large bird. The pilot radios the tower, requesting to return to the airport due to the damage sustained to the windshield, when a mysterious laser hits the aircraft. The pilot alerts the tower of the unauthorized laser, which lets other pilots in the area know to be on the lookout. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, Delta flight 2120 is taking off from Las Vegas when the pilot alerts the tower of an issue. The aircraft has a flight control problem related to the flaps and is looking to return to Las Vegas. An emergency is declared and the crew goes through their checklists prior to returning. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

Hello Air Traffic Out of Control fans...I'm excited to be back after a late summer hiatus! In this episode, we go to Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport (ATL). A Delta pilot radios the tower, reporting they believe they struck something. The tower confirms that they indeed hit the tail of another Delta aircraft, knocking the whole tail section off of a CRJ. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we go to Salt Lake City where two Delta airlines planes have a slight mishap on the tarmac. A Delta 737 preparing to take off for Santa Ana, clips the tail of another Delta Airbus A320 with its wing tip. Both aircraft sustained damage and had to return to their gates. Costly mistake for Delta. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, Delta flight 1245 is taking off from Palm Beach International Airport, bound for Boston, when the pilots receive a warning. The aircraft is alerting them of a left engine fire, so they request to return to Palm Beach immediately. The aircraft returns safely to the airport and emergency crews spring into action to make sure everyone on board remains safe. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we go back up to Oshkosh, where another crash has occurred during the massive AirVenture event. This time, a Diamond Twin Star aircraft was making its approach when the left wing and main gear impacted the runway. The plane ended up overshooting the runway and coming to rest in the grass. Nobody was injured during the incident thankfully. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we listen in as the tower at Ogden City Airport navigates a situation with a Cessna aircraft. The pilot has received a landing gear indication, so proceeds to do a low pass so the tower can do a visual check. The tower tells the pilot to hold while they ready emergency crews. All of a sudden, the pilot makes an urgent request to land, and then suddenly the plane goes down in a nearby neighborhood. Fortunately, both people on board survived the crash. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we go to Oshkosh, Wisconsin where it is opening day at AirVenture, a massive fly-in aviation conference with more than 10,000 planes normally in attendance. As air traffic control struggles to deal with the constant flow of aircraft, a plane is reported to have crashed in a nearby field and has caught fire. Unfortunately, both people on board sustained fatal injuries. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, a Southwest 737-79P is preparing to take off from Portland Maine to Baltimore when something goes sideways. The pilot accidentally takes off from a temporarily closed runway which had vehicles on it. Luckily, the vehicles were able to get out of the way and the flight departed without incident. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we fly over to Gothenburg, Sweden where a Ryanair Boeing B737-800 has just landed from Sarajevo. The pilot reports a possible fire on board and requests to evacuate on the runway. The tower confirms that there is indeed smoke coming from the aircraft and dispatches the fire department. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, United flight 1001 (B757) takes off from Los Angeles (LAX). Immediately, several other pilots radio the tower, to let them know they saw a tire fly off the United plane on take off. The tower initiates a runway inspection to determine which tire they are missing. To top it all off, at the end of the recording, you will hear another United flight, report a bird strike. Talk about a busy day for the controllers at LAX! Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we have a scary situation in Littleton, Colorado. A pilot is making an approach to Centennial Airport (KAPA) when he experiences an engine failure. The tower attempts to re-route the pilot but it's too late, so he needs to look for a place to make an emergency landing. Luckily, he gets the aircraft on the ground safely and is seen walking away from the site. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we go to Denton, Texas where airport construction is causing some issues. An aircraft is taxxing out for takeoff when one of its wings clips a piece of construction equipment. They decide to abort the takeoff until ground crews can inspect and clear the plane. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, a Delta Airlines flight leaving Detroit for Amsterdam is looking to make an emergency landing. For an odd reason. The pilot of flight 136reported to the tower at JFK that onboard meals were spoiled, resulting in some passengers becoming ill. The pilot requests to land in New York to have the food issues remedied and get several passengers medical assistance. Not a great look for Delta during a very busy travel time. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, a Delta Airlines Airbus A321 is taking off from Boston when the pilot reports a left engine failure. The pilot contacts the tower to request a return to Boston as he shuts down the engine. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we go to Washington Regan International Airport (DCA) where the tower is busy organizing a ground stop. A military flyover is happening at nearby Arlington National Cemetery in honor of a pioneering aviator's passing. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, a Southwest flight bound for Denver radios the tower with an emergency. The pilot is reporting smoke in the cabin and makes a request to divert to Colorado Springs. In preparation for the emergency landing, the pilot organizes emergency services and air stairs to be brought to the aircraft. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, Skywest flight 4055 bound for Chicago, experiences an engine flame out and declares an emergency. The tower quickly suggests that the aircraft divert to nearby Grand Rapids, Michigan for an emergency landing. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, a Cessna aircraft is coming in for an approach to Yuma, Arizona when there is a sudden engine failure. The tower attempts to accommodate the pilot by opening up any runway for him to execute an emergency landing, but it's too late. The Cessna pilot can't make it to the airport, so begins searching for a roadway to land on. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, UPS flight 2949 is departing from Oakland when the pilot reports flight control issues. He issues a mayday and asks for vectors to return to the airport. The tower springs into action to help the aircraft navigate back to Oakland safely. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, A FedEx Boeing 767 is coming in for an approach in Istanbul when they receive an alert that the nose landing gear is malfunctioning. They contact the tower to do a low pass to confirm that the gear is not deployed, and the tower confirms this. The pilot brings the aircraft in for a landing without the nose gear shortly after. Luckily, no injuries were sustained by the crew on board. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, United flight 381 is coming in for the approach to Austin when they request to go around. The pilot lets the tower know the aircraft is having flap issues which is causing instability. The controller dispatches emergency crews as an extra precaution for the potentially dangerous landing. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, a British Airways 777 (Flight 158) is preparing for departure to London from Bermuda International Airport when the tower abruptly cancels the take off clearance. The pilot, understandably concerned, presses the controller to let him evacuate the aircraft as soon as possible. The controller lets him know that the terminal is also under a bomb threat so the situation escalates even further. Listen in as they navigate this very tense situation. Fortunately, after the evacuation, the bomb threat was cleared and service resumed at the airport. Read more here: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13386379/Bomb-threat-sparks-evacuation-British-Airways-flight-London-moments-Bermudas-international-airport.html

In this episode, a Piper aircraft near Sacramento, California (SAC) experiences an engine failure and radios the tower to declare mayday. The pilot and one passenger can't make it to the airport so need to look for a safe field or road to land on nearby. The tower dispatches emergency crews, and thankfully, the Piper pilot executes the emergency landing safely. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we fly up to Teterboro Executive airport where two private jets have found themselves in a bit of a pickle. An ExecJet aircraft has hit the wing tip of a Twilight Gulfstream, causing damage to both planes. The airport authority intervenes to investigate the minor incident. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, Lufthansa flight 456 is coming in for landing in Los Angeles (LAX), and touches down hard before going back around for another attempt. Our friends at Airline Videos caught the landing on tape, and you will hear their dramatic reaction. The aircraft landed without incident on the second attempt. Airline officials noted that the pilot was in training when the balked landing occurred. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we go to Palm Beach International (PBI) where an aircraft with a flat tire is wreaking havoc on the control tower. Ground crews and the fire chief attempt to get the plane safely moved while the tower works to deal with traffic in the area. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, Delta flight 520 has departed from JFK, but immediately radios the tower with an issue. The pilot has received a warning that the latch on one of the escape slides is open, so they need to return back to the airport to have maintenance investigate the issue.

In this episode, Allegiant Air flight 2948 is preparing for takeoff at Orlando Sanford airport when the tower aborts it at the last second. Another aircraft has entered the runway without being instructed to do so, and the Allegiant pilot pumps the brakes on their plans. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we go to Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) where United flight two sixty is taking off and experiences a tail strike. The pilot - exercising extreme caution - radios the tower to arrange a return to the airport for an emergency landing. You will hear in this conversation, that they opt not to dump the fuel before coming back to Dulles. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we fly down to Winter Haven, Florida (GIF) where an aircraft is coming in for an approach with a landing gear failure. You will hear the tower's frantic calls for the pilot to "go around" due to the fact that the landing gear hasn't come down. The aircraft lands without the gear deployed and the tower scrambles to re-route other incoming planes as it closes the airport. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we go to Lakeland Florida. An aircraft is taxiing out for takeoff when an incoming plane attempts to fly over him and land on the taxi way. The tower scrambles to figure out what is happening, and once they contact the errant pilot it turns out he misunderstood the instructions for the airport which resulted in the potential dangerous situation. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, a Southwest airlines B737 is departing from Denver when passengers and crew report a loud noise from something striking the wing. You will hear the pilot radio the tower to alert them of the potential situation as he investigates it further. It turns out an engine cowling has ripped off during take off, and is now hanging off onto the wing. The pilot then calmly arranges a return to Denver for an emergency landing. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, a Southwest aircraft is departing from Lubbock Texas when it experiences a left engine failure. The pilot aborts the takeoff at the last second and emergency crews spring into action. Due to the heavy braking required, the pilot is concerned about a brake fire, which the crews investigate. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we listen in on the controllers at Newark International Airport as they struggle with the impact of the recent earthquake in the northeast U.S. Controllers on the west coast are very experienced at dealing with these types of obstacles, but they are far less common in the New York area. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, Southwest airlines flight 3371 lands in Baltimore, when the tower notices flames coming from one of the engines. Crews approach the aircraft to perform an inspection because the pilot has no indication of any issues. After visually inspecting the aircraft, the rescue crews don't find any problem, but follow the aircraft to the gate as an extra precaution. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

A Southwest Boeing 737-8H4 performing (flight SWA147) from Nashville to LaGuardia was on the second attempt to land when the aircraft suddenly veered to the right of the approach path coming dangerously close to the control tower. Shocked, the controller instructs the pilot to go around immediately to avoid a collision with the tower. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, a United B737 Max is taking off from San Francisco for Denver, when the pilot radios the tower with an issue. The aircraft has struck a drone which has damaged the windshield of the plane and the flight is looking to return to the airport. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we have a fun one. Listen in as the Blue Angels perform during the Wings Over Solano air show at Travis Air Force Base in California. This is the sound of pilots that truly love their jobs! Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, a British Airways Boeing 777 is flying from JFK to London Gatwick. Over the Atlantic, the pilot declares an emergency when his co-pilot becomes incapacitated due to a medical emergency. The crew requests a diversion to St. Johns, Newfoundland where medical crews can tend to the pilot. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, a pilot coming into Scottsdale is a little hot under the collar that the tower isn't giving him priority. When he confronts the controller, other pilots on the frequency stand up for the man in the tower against the disgruntled pilot. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, a United Boeing 737-Max has landed in Houston but has an issue on the runway. Upon landing, the pilot was instructed to vacate the runway at SC, but the aircraft left the tarmac and becomes disabled on the grass as the landing gear collapses. Controllers race to get emergency vehicles to the United aircraft while trying to manage the traffic coming into Houston. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, a Police Guardian helicopter is navigating its way around DC when a special visitor forces him to change course. The President, aboard the Marine One chopper is taking off, so the police pilot needs to re-route to maintain its distance from the VIP. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, we have a special montage for you. As we have discussed several times, air traffic control can be a stressful job. There is a lot at stake and they expect their counterparts - the pilots - to be well-prepared and bring their A-game. When they aren't, sometimes the controllers make it known how displeased they are. We have several of those instances for you here. Listen in and enjoy! Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast

In this episode, several flights are coming in for an approach at JFK when an American Airlines pilot feels that his separation from other aircraft is too close for comfort. When he raises this concern to the tower, the controller doesn't want to hear it. The controller quickly corrects the pilot on the separation he requires in his airspace. After landing, the pilot is asked to contact Approach Control to discuss the issue further. Follow Amy Tango Charlie on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/atoocpodcast