Pete Dirks – Southwest Area – January 2021

On January 10, 2021, Pete was working the Danville Radar position when he accepted a hand-off on N63366 (C172) from Grissom Approach Control.  The aircraft was operating on a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight plan with Michigan City (KMGC) as the destination. The pilot did not initiate contact, but replied to a blind broadcast.  When Pete noticed the aircraft considerably left of course, he questioned the destination airport.  The pilot confirmed he was destined for KMGC and Pete suggested a course of 020.  The pilot indicated he was navigating west of course to avoid Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), which implied the pilot was not certified to fly in IMC or wished to remain in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).  

Following a hand-off to South Bend Approach, transfer of communications was unsuccessful.  Pete used several methods to contact the pilot, including the GUARD frequency and IDENT reply.  Sensing the situation was deteriorating and knowing the danger of pilots flying visually into IMC, Pete continued attempting to contact the aircraft well outside his airspace and retained the track on his radar.  As the N63366 neared the airport, the aircraft began circling, rather than landing.  The reported weather for the KMGC airport was IMC, with an overcast ceiling.  It was clear the aircraft was above the overcast, unable to find a clearing in the clouds to execute a descent and approach while VFR.  Pete contacted South Bend Approach, advising of the potential emergency developing due to weather conditions.  

Ken Menconi, the Controller In Charge (CIC), helped Pete locate a nearby airport with VMC conditions.  They selected Benton Harbor (KBEH), which was approximately 35 miles northeast of KMGC.   Pete then realized the N63366 might be on CTAF frequency while circling above the airport.  It was possible to use another aircraft to relay instructions to N63366. Unfortunately, radar contact was lost prior to attempting the relay.  Concerned the pilot flew into IMC or ran out of fuel, Pete and Ken coordinated with Chicago Center’s Traffic Management Unit (TMU) to advise KMGC of the situation.  Prior to hearing back from TMU, South Bend Approach called to report the aircraft landed safely, likely having found a break in the clouds.

Pete’s concern for the well-being of the pilot and passengers was evident throughout the situation.  Teaming with Ken, the duo developed creative solutions and exhausted all known resources to ensure the pilot had the best chance possible to safely reach the destination.