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Continental (Colgan)-3407 -8 Crash in Buffalo
ATC audio capturing the disappearance and crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 in Buffalo, NY.
Summary
On February 12, 2009, Colgan Air Flight 3407 (operating as Continental Connection) crashed during an ILS approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport. The recording captures the routine approach, the sudden loss of contact, and the chilling realization by controllers and other pilots that the aircraft had gone down. All 49 people on board and one person on the ground were killed.
Analysis
The recording begins with routine air traffic control operations at Buffalo Approach. Several aircraft, including Southwest 615 and United 246, are being sequenced for the ILS approach to Runway 23. The weather conditions are poor, with IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) and significant icing reported by multiple pilots. Colgan 3407, a Bombardier Dash 8-Q400, enters the frequency at 12,000 feet and receives standard vectors.
The tension begins to rise when the approach controller clears Colgan 3407 for the approach and instructs them to contact the tower. While the crew acknowledges the handoff, they never check in with the tower. Shortly after, the controller begins repeatedly calling "Colgan 3407, Buffalo," with no response. The transition from professional routine to urgent concern is palpable as the controller asks Delta 1998 to look for the Dash 8 on their TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) and out their window.
As the situation develops, the controller begins coordinating with emergency services on the ground, mentioning a need to contact the State Police or Sheriff's Department regarding a possible crash in the Clarence or Akron area. Other pilots on the frequency begin providing Pilot Reports (PIREPs) of significant icing, with AeroQuest 920 specifically requesting a continuous climb to escape the "ice." This provides the grim context of the atmospheric conditions that contributed to the accident.
The most haunting moment occurs when Cactus 1452 (a US Airways flight) reports seeing a "glow" on the ground near the KLUMP initial approach fix. The controller confirms they are aware of the situation, officially informing other aircraft that the Dash 8 "didn't make the airport." The technical cause of the crash was later determined to be an aerodynamic stall caused by the crew's improper response to the aircraft's de-icing system and stall warnings, exacerbated by pilot fatigue.
This incident is one of the most significant in modern American aviation history. The aftermath led to a massive overhaul of FAA regulations, most notably the "1,500-hour rule," which increased the flight hour requirements for first officers on commercial airlines. It also brought intense scrutiny to the working conditions and pay of regional airline pilots.
Original ATC Communication
Plain English Translation
ATC
Eagle 4422, turn right heading 140.
ATC
Eagle 4422, turn right to a compass heading of 140 degrees.
EAGLE 4422
Right turn to 140, Eagle 4422.
EAGLE 4422
Turning right to 140, Eagle 4422.
ATC
Southwest 615, descend and maintain 4,000.
ATC
Southwest 615, drop down and level off at 4,000 feet.
SOUTHWEST 615
Down to 4,000, Southwest 615.
SOUTHWEST 615
Heading down to 4,000, Southwest 615.
ATC
Eagle 4422, turn right heading 170.
ATC
Eagle 4422, turn right to a new heading of 170 degrees.
EAGLE 4422
170, Eagle 4422.
EAGLE 4422
To 170, Eagle 4422.
ATC
Southwest 615, descend and maintain 2,300.
ATC
Southwest 615, descend and stay at 2,300 feet.
SOUTHWEST 615
Down to 2,300, Southwest 615.
SOUTHWEST 615
Down to 2,300, Southwest 615.
ATC
United 246, descend at your discretion, maintain 4,000.
ATC
United 246, start your descent whenever you’re ready and level off at 4,000 feet.
UNITED 246
At pilot's discretion to 4,000, United 246 leaving 7,000.
UNITED 246
We'll descend when it suits us down to 4,000; United 246 is vacating 7,000 feet now.
ATC
Eagle 4422, turn right heading 220. You're five from KLUMP. Maintain 2,300 until established on the localizer. Cleared for ILS approach runway 23.
ATC
Eagle 4422, turn right to 220 degrees. You’re five miles from the KLUMP waypoint. Stay at 2,300 feet until you’ve lined up with the runway’s electronic guidance beam. You’re authorized for the instrument landing on runway 23.
EAGLE 4422
Cleared for the ILS 23, Eagle 4422.
EAGLE 4422
Authorized for the instrument landing on runway 23, Eagle 4422.
ATC
Northwest 920, you can remain this frequency until you start taxing to the park. Turn right heading 150.
ATC
Northwest 920, you can stay on this radio channel until you begin driving to the parking area. Turn right to heading 150.
NORTHWEST 920
Right to 150, Southwest 615.
NORTHWEST 920
Turning right to 150... Southwest 615—wait, I used the wrong flight name.
DELTA 1998
Buffalo Delta 1998, 17,000 for 11,000 at Dunkirk. We have Sierra.
DELTA 1998
Buffalo control, Delta 1998 is here. We’re dropping from 17,000 to 11,000 feet by the Dunkirk waypoint. We have the latest weather update, code Sierra.
ATC
Delta 1998, Buffalo Approach. Good evening. Buffalo altimeter is 29.80. Fly present heading, vector for the ILS approach runway 23.
ATC
Delta 1998, Buffalo arrival control. Good evening. The local air pressure for your altitude gauges is 29.80. Keep your current heading; I’m giving you directions to line up for the runway 23 instrument landing.
DELTA 1998
29.80, present heading, vectors for the ILS 23, Delta 1998.
DELTA 1998
29.80 on the pressure, holding this heading, and expecting guidance for the runway 23 landing system, Delta 1998.
ATC
Southwest 615, turn right heading 160.
ATC
Southwest 615, turn right to a compass heading of 160.
ATC
Eagle 4422, contact Tower 120.5. Have a good night, sir.
ATC
Eagle 4422, switch over to the control tower on frequency 120.5. Have a good night, sir.
EAGLE 4422
20.5, so long.
EAGLE 4422
Switching to 120.5, see you later.
EAGLE 4422
Buffalo Tower, Eagle 4422, approaching KLUMP.
EAGLE 4422
Buffalo Tower, Eagle 4422 here, we’re nearing the KLUMP navigation waypoint.
ATC
Eagle 4422, Buffalo Tower, runway 23, wind 260 at 17, cleared to land.
ATC
Eagle 4422, Buffalo Tower. For runway 23, the wind is 17 knots from the west. You are cleared to land.
EAGLE 4422
Cleared to land runway 23, Eagle 4422.
EAGLE 4422
Cleared to land on runway 23, Eagle 4422.
ATC
FedEx 1378 Heavy, Buffalo Ground, hold short of runway 23 on taxiway Mike.
ATC
FedEx 1378 Heavy, Buffalo Ground control. Stop and wait short of runway 23 while you’re on taxiway Mike.
ATC
Southwest 615, turn right heading 220, intercept the localizer.
ATC
Southwest 615, turn right to heading 220 to line yourself up with the runway’s electronic guidance beam.
SOUTHWEST 615
Southwest 615.
SOUTHWEST 615
Acknowledged, Southwest 615.
COLGAN 3407
Buffalo Approach, Colgan 3407, 12,000 for 11,000 with Romeo.
COLGAN 3407
Buffalo Approach, this is Colgan 3407. We’re coming down from 12,000 to 11,000 feet and we have the latest weather update, code Romeo.
ATC
Colgan 3407, Buffalo Approach. Good evening. Buffalo altimeter 29.80. Plan the ILS approach runway 23.
ATC
Colgan 3407, Buffalo Approach. Good evening. The local pressure is 29.80. Plan for an instrument landing on runway 23.
COLGAN 3407
29.80 and the ILS 23, Colgan 3407.
COLGAN 3407
29.80 and the runway 23 instrument approach, Colgan 3407.
ATC
Southwest 615, three from the marker, 2,300 until established, cleared ILS approach runway 23. You can start slowing to approach speed.
ATC
Southwest 615, you’re three miles from the final approach beacon. Stay at 2,300 feet until you’re locked onto the signal. You’re cleared for the runway 23 instrument landing. You can start slowing to your final approach speed.
SOUTHWEST 615
Southwest 615.
SOUTHWEST 615
Southwest 615 is here.
ATC
United 246, descend and maintain 2,300.
ATC
United 246, drop down and stay at 2,300 feet.
UNITED 246
Down to 2,300, United 246.
UNITED 246
Heading down to 2,300, United 246.
ATC
Southwest 615, contact Tower 120.5. Have a good night.
ATC
Southwest 615, switch over to the control tower on frequency 120.5. Have a good night.
SOUTHWEST 615
20.5, Southwest 615, goodnight.
SOUTHWEST 615
Switching to 120.5, Southwest 615, goodnight.
ATC
Colgan 3407, proceed direct TRUVA.
ATC
Colgan 3407, fly straight toward the TRUVA navigation waypoint.
COLGAN 3407
Direct TRUVA, Colgan 3407.
COLGAN 3407
Straight to TRUVA, Colgan 3407.
ATC
United 246, descend and maintain 2,300.
ATC
United 246, drop down and stay at 2,300 feet.
UNITED 246
United 246.
UNITED 246
United 246, copy that.
ATC
Delta 1998, descend at pilot's discretion, maintain 6,000.
ATC
Delta 1998, start your descent whenever you’re ready, then level off at 6,000 feet.
DELTA 1998
Pilot's discretion to 6,000, Delta 1998.
DELTA 1998
Descending when we’re ready to 6,000, Delta 1998.
ATC
Colgan 3407, descend and maintain 6,000.
ATC
Colgan 3407, drop down and stay at 6,000 feet.
COLGAN 3407
Down to 6,000, 3407.
COLGAN 3407
Heading down to 6,000, 3407.
ATC
Southwest 615, Buffalo Tower, runway 23, wind 270 at 12, cleared to land.
ATC
Southwest 615, this is Buffalo Tower. You’re all set to land on runway 23. The wind is coming from the west at 12 knots.
SOUTHWEST 615
23, cleared to land, Southwest 615.
SOUTHWEST 615
Runway 23, cleared to land, Southwest 615.
ATC
United 246, turn right heading 160.
ATC
United 246, turn right to a compass heading of 160 degrees.
UNITED 246
Right to 160, United 246.
UNITED 246
Right to 160, United 246.
ATC
Eagle 4422, your next left turn, this frequency to the ramp.
ATC
Eagle 4422, take your next left turn and stay on this radio frequency while you taxi to the parking area.
EAGLE 4422
Eagle 4422.
EAGLE 4422
Eagle 4422, will do.
ATC
United 246, turn right heading 180.
ATC
United 246, turn right further to a heading of 180 degrees.
UNITED 246
180, United 246.
UNITED 246
Heading 180, United 246.
ATC
United 246, you're four from KLUMP. Turn right heading 210, maintain 2,300 until established on the localizer, cleared ILS approach runway 23.
ATC
United 246, you are four miles from the KLUMP checkpoint. Turn right to 210, stay at 2,300 feet until you are centered on the guidance beam, you are cleared for the instrument approach to runway 23.
UNITED 246
210 on the heading, 2,300 until established, cleared ILS 23, United 246.
UNITED 246
Heading 210, holding 2,300 until we’re lined up, cleared for the instrument landing on 23, United 246.
ATC
Southwest 615, turn left when able and remain this frequency, taxi to the ramp.
ATC
Southwest 615, turn left when you can and stay on this frequency to taxi to the gate area.
SOUTHWEST 615
With you to the gate, Southwest 615.
SOUTHWEST 615
We’ll stay with you until we reach the gate, Southwest 615.
ATC
United 246, contact Tower 120.5. Have a good night.
ATC
United 246, switch over to the Control Tower on 120.5. Have a good night.
ATC
Buffalo Tower, United 246 is ILS runway 23.
ATC
Buffalo Tower, United 246 is lined up on the instrument beam for runway 23.
ATC
United 246, Buffalo Tower, runway 23, wind 260 at 12, cleared to land.
ATC
United 246, Buffalo Tower, for runway 23, the wind is from the west at 12 knots, you are cleared to land.
UNITED 246
Cleared to land runway 23, United 246.
UNITED 246
Cleared to land on runway 23, United 246.
ATC
Colgan 3407, descend and maintain 5,000.
ATC
Colgan 3407, fly down and stay at 5,000 feet.
COLGAN 3407
5,000, Colgan 3407.
COLGAN 3407
Leveling off at five thousand feet, Colgan 3407.
ATC
Delta 1998, descend at pilot's discretion, maintain 3,000. We're going to do a practice autoland out of this.
ATC
Delta 1998, start your descent whenever you're ready and level off at three thousand feet. We’re going to have you perform a practice automatic landing from this approach.
DELTA 1998
Roger.
DELTA 1998
Understood.
ATC
Delta 1998, let me just amend that slightly. Descend and maintain 4,000.
ATC
Delta 1998, let me just change those instructions slightly. Go ahead and descend, but stop at four thousand feet instead.
DELTA 1998
Maintain 4,000, Delta 1998.
DELTA 1998
Holding at four thousand, Delta 1998.
ATC
Colgan 3407, descend and maintain 4,000.
ATC
Colgan 3407, descend now and stay at four thousand feet.
COLGAN 3407
4,000, 3407.
COLGAN 3407
Down to four thousand, flight 3407.
CACTUS 1452
Buffalo Approach, Cactus 1452's with you with Romeo, out of 11,000.
CACTUS 1452
Buffalo Approach, Cactus 1452 is checking in. We have the latest weather update, code Romeo, and we're currently passing through eleven thousand feet.
ATC
Cactus 1452, Buffalo Approach. Good evening. Buffalo altimeter 29.80. Proceed direct TRUVA, sir, for the ILS approach runway 23.
ATC
Cactus 1452, Buffalo Approach. Good evening. The local barometric pressure is 29.80. Fly straight to the TRUVA waypoint, sir, to begin your instrument landing for runway 23.
CACTUS 1452
What was the point? Is that the one outside KLUMP?
CACTUS 1452
What was the name of that navigation point? Is that the one just outside the KLUMP waypoint?
ATC
Cactus 1452, yeah, that's the one outside KLUMP on the ILS, TRUVA for 23.
ATC
Cactus 1452, that’s the one. It’s the point just outside KLUMP on the instrument landing path, TRUVA for runway 23.
CACTUS 1452
Okay, we'll head there directly, Cactus 1452.
CACTUS 1452
Okay, we'll head straight for that point, Cactus 1452.
ATC
Cactus 1452, descend at pilot's discretion, maintain 6,000.
ATC
Cactus 1452, start your descent whenever you're ready and level off at six thousand feet.
CACTUS 1452
At pilot's discretion to 6,000, Cactus 1452.
CACTUS 1452
Descending at our discretion down to six thousand, Cactus 1452.
CAPITAL 405
Buffalo, good evening, Capital 405, level 6,000.
CAPITAL 405
Buffalo, good evening, this is Capital 405, currently cruising steady at six thousand feet.
ATC
Capital 405, good evening, Buffalo Approach. Buffalo altimeter 29.81.
ATC
Capital 405, good evening, you're now with Buffalo's arrival controllers. The local pressure setting for your altimeter is 29.81.
CAPITAL 405
29.81, Capital 405, thanks.
CAPITAL 405
29.81, Capital 405, thanks.
ATC
United 246, turn left next available taxiway to the ramp, this frequency.
ATC
United 246, take your next left onto the taxiway toward the parking area, and stay on this radio channel.
UNITED 246
Okay, left turn to the ramp, United 246.
UNITED 246
Okay, turning left toward the parking area, United 246.
ATC
Eagle 4422, proceed down Mike, hold short of 23.
ATC
Eagle 4422, taxi down path Mike and stop just before you reach runway 23.
ATC
Colgan 3407, descend and maintain 2,300.
ATC
Colgan 3407, go down and level off at 2,300 feet.
COLGAN 3407
2,300, 3407.
COLGAN 3407
Down to 2,300 feet, flight 3407.
ATC
Delta 1998, turn right heading 050.
ATC
Delta 1998, turn right to a compass heading of 050 degrees.
DELTA 1998
Right 050, Delta 1998.
DELTA 1998
Right to 050, Delta 1998.
ATC
Colgan 3407, turn left heading 330.
ATC
Colgan 3407, turn left to a compass heading of 330 degrees.
COLGAN 3407
Left heading 330, Colgan 3407.
COLGAN 3407
Left to heading 330, Colgan 3407.
ATC
Eagle 4422, cross runway 23.
ATC
Eagle 4422, you're clear to cross over runway 23.
ATC
FedEx 1378 Heavy, contact Departure.
ATC
FedEx 1378, you're a large aircraft, switch over to the departure controller now.
FEDEX 1378
FedEx 1378 Heavy's going to Departure. Have a good day.
FEDEX 1378
FedEx 1378 Heavy is switching over to Departure. Have a good day.
ATC
FedEx 1378 Heavy's with you, passing 3,000 for 5,000.
ATC
FedEx 1378 Heavy is checking in with you, climbing through 3,000 feet on our way up to 5,000.
ATC
FedEx 1378 Heavy, Buffalo Approach. Good evening. Radar contact. Turn left direct Jamestown, resume navigation.
ATC
FedEx 1378, the heavy cargo jet, this is Buffalo traffic control. Good evening. I have you on my radar. Turn left and head straight toward the Jamestown waypoint, then continue on your own navigation.
FEDEX 1378
Turn left direct Jamestown, resume navigation, FedEx 1378 Heavy.
FEDEX 1378
Turning left straight to Jamestown, then back to our own navigation, FedEx 1378 heavy.
ATC
Delta 1998, descend and maintain 2,300.
ATC
Delta 1998, drop down and level off at 2,300 feet.
DELTA 1998
Descend and maintain 2,300, Delta 1998.
DELTA 1998
Descending to stay at 2,300 feet, Delta 1998.
ATC
Cactus 1452, descend and maintain 4,000.
ATC
Cactus 1452, head down and level out at 4,000 feet.
CACTUS 1452
Down to 4,000, Cactus 1452.
CACTUS 1452
Going down to 4,000, Cactus 1452.
ATC
Colgan 3407, three miles from KLUMP. Turn left heading 260, maintain 2,300 until established on the localizer, cleared ILS approach runway 23.
ATC
Colgan 3407, you’re three miles from the KLUMP checkpoint. Turn left to a heading of 260 degrees, stay at 2,300 feet until you've lined up with the runway’s radio guidance beam, and you're cleared for the instrument landing on runway 23.
COLGAN 3407
Left 260, 2,300 until established, cleared ILS 23 approach, Colgan 3407.
COLGAN 3407
Left to 260, staying at 2,300 until we're lined up, cleared for the instrument approach to runway 23, Colgan 3407.
ATC
Delta 1998, turn right heading 140.
ATC
Delta 1998, turn right to a heading of 140 degrees.
DELTA 1998
Right 140, Delta 1998.
DELTA 1998
Right to 140, Delta 1998.
NORTHWEST 1130
Buffalo, good evening, Northwest 1130, 14,800 for 11,000 at Dunkirk with Sierra.
NORTHWEST 1130
Buffalo, good evening, this is Northwest 1130. We're passing through 14,800 feet on our way down to 11,000 over Dunkirk, and we have the latest weather report, Sierra.
ATC
Northwest 1130, Buffalo Approach. Good evening. Buffalo altimeter 29.80. Plan the ILS approach runway 23.
ATC
Northwest 1130, Buffalo traffic control. Good evening. The local barometric pressure for your altitude gauge is 29.80. Plan on using the instrument landing system for runway 23.
NORTHWEST 1130
29.80, 23, Northwest 1130.
NORTHWEST 1130
29.80 on the pressure, runway 23, Northwest 1130.
ATC
Colgan 3407, contact Tower 120.5. Have a good night.
ATC
Colgan 3407, switch over to the airport tower on frequency 120.5. Have a good night.
COLGAN 3407
Colgan 3407.
COLGAN 3407
Switching over, Colgan 3407.
ATC
FedEx 1378 Heavy, contact Cleveland Center 125.2. Have a good night.
ATC
FedEx 1378, you large cargo jet, switch over to the Cleveland regional controllers on frequency 125.2. Have a good night.
FEDEX 1378
Cleveland on 125.2, FedEx 1378 Heavy. Have a good one.
FEDEX 1378
Switching to Cleveland on 125.2, FedEx 1378. You have a good one too.
ATC
Southwest 3512, descend and maintain 7,000.
ATC
Southwest 3512, go ahead and bring it down to 7,000 feet and stay there.
ATC
Colgan 3407, Approach.
ATC
Colgan flight 3407, this is Buffalo arrival control.
ATC
Delta 1998, I'm just going to take you through the localizer for sequencing.
ATC
Delta 1998, I’m going to fly you past the runway’s center signal line just to get you in the right order for landing.
DELTA 1998
Delta 1998, thanks.
DELTA 1998
Delta 1998, thanks for that.
ATC
Colgan 3407, Buffalo.
ATC
Colgan 3407, this is Buffalo, do you copy?
ATC
Colgan 3407, Approach.
ATC
Colgan 3407, Buffalo arrival control, are you there?
ATC
Delta 1998, look off to your right side about five miles for a Dash 8. Should be at 2,300. Do you see anything there?
ATC
Delta 1998, look out your right side about five miles for a twin-propeller plane. It should be at 2,300 feet. Can you see anything over there?
DELTA 1998
Negative, Delta 1998. We're just in the bottoms and nothing on the TCAS.
DELTA 1998
No, Delta 1998. We’re just at the base of the clouds and there's nothing showing up on our anti-collision screen.
ATC
Colgan 3407, Buffalo.
ATC
Colgan 3407, Buffalo.
ATC
AeroQuest 920, you're still coming up—there it goes. Never mind, disregard. Contact Departure.
ATC
AeroQuest 920, your signal is still—oh, there it goes. Never mind, forget that. Switch over to departure control now.
AEROQUEST 920
Departure, AeroQuest 920's 2.3 for 5,000, 240 on the heading.
AEROQUEST 920
Departure, AeroQuest 920 checking in, climbing through 2,300 feet for 5,000, and we're pointed southwest on a 240-degree heading.
ATC
AeroQuest 920, Buffalo Departure, radar contact.
ATC
AeroQuest 920, Buffalo departure, we have you on our radar.
AEROQUEST 920
Buffalo, AeroQuest 920.
AEROQUEST 920
Buffalo, AeroQuest 920 acknowledges.
ATC
AeroQuest 920, Buffalo Departure, radar contact. Maintain 5,000.
ATC
AeroQuest 920, this is Buffalo Departure, we have you on our radar. Stay at 5,000 feet.
AEROQUEST 920
Maintain 5,000. If we would, we'd like to request a continuous climb out for ice.
AEROQUEST 920
Staying at 5,000. If we could, we’d like to keep climbing without stopping to get out of this icing.
ATC
AeroQuest 920, continue the climb, climb and maintain 8,000.
ATC
AeroQuest 920, go ahead and keep climbing, go up and stay at 8,000 feet.
AEROQUEST 920
Up to 8,000. I'd like to put 10,000 on as a final.
AEROQUEST 920
Heading up to 8,000. I'd like to make 10,000 feet our final altitude.
ATC
AeroQuest 920, climb and maintain 10,000.
ATC
AeroQuest 920, climb and stay at 10,000 feet.
AEROQUEST 920
Up to 10,000, AeroQuest 920, thanks.
AEROQUEST 920
Climbing to 10,000, AeroQuest 920, thank you.
ATC
Delta 1998, turn left, left heading 360.
ATC
Delta 1998, turn left, turn left to a heading of due north.
DELTA 1998
Left 360, Delta 1998. You want us to climb at all?
DELTA 1998
Left to due north, Delta 1998. Do you want us to start climbing yet?
ATC
I'll be right back to you, sir.
ATC
I'll get right back to you on that, sir.
DELTA 1998
Delta 1998, just maintain 2,300 there.
DELTA 1998
Delta 1998, we'll just stay here at 2,300 feet then.
ATC
Delta 1998, affirmative. Delta 1998, you have VFR conditions there?
ATC
Delta 1998, that’s correct. Delta 1998, are you in clear weather where you can see around you?
DELTA 1998
Negative, we're IMC.
DELTA 1998
No, we’re stuck in the clouds and flying by our instruments.
ATC
Roger. Southwest 3512, turn left heading 050.
ATC
Understood. Southwest 3512, turn left to a northeast heading.
SOUTHWEST 3512
Left 050, Southwest 3512.
SOUTHWEST 3512
Left to northeast, Southwest 3512.
ATC
Northwest 1130, turn right heading 070, descend and maintain 9,000.
ATC
Northwest 1130, turn right to an east-northeast heading, go down and stay at 9,000 feet.
NORTHWEST 1130
070, 11,000 for 9,000, Northwest 1130.
NORTHWEST 1130
Northwest 1130 is turning to a heading of 070 degrees and descending from 11,000 feet down to 9,000.
ATC
Colgan 3407, Buffalo Tower, how do you hear?
ATC
Colgan 3407, this is the Buffalo airport tower, do you hear me?
ATC
Cactus 1452, are you on frequency?
ATC
Cactus 1452, are you listening on this radio channel?
ATC
Capital 405, contact Toronto Approach on 133—actually just stay with me, sir. I'll fly you over to Toronto Approach shortly. We've had some ground communication. Need to talk to somebody at least five miles northeast—possibly Clarence, that area right in there, Akron area. Either State Police or Sheriff's Department. Need to find out if anything is on the ground. This aircraft was five miles out and all of a sudden we have no response from the aircraft. All I can tell you is the aircraft was over the marker and we're not talking to him now.
ATC
Capital 405, switch over to Toronto air traffic control on 133—actually, just stay on this frequency with me, sir. I’ll hand you off to Toronto shortly. We’ve had a report from the ground. I need to get ahold of someone about five miles northeast—maybe in Clarence or the Akron area. Get me the State Police or the Sheriff’s Department. We need to find out if a plane has crashed. This aircraft was five miles out and suddenly we lost contact. All I know is he passed the final approach point and now he’s not answering.
ATC
Delta 1998, you getting any icing where you're at?
ATC
Delta 1998, is any ice building up on your wings at your current altitude?
DELTA 1998
We picked up on the way down. I don't think we're building any more here, but from about 6,500 down to about 3,500 maybe.
DELTA 1998
We caught some ice on the way down. It doesn't seem to be getting worse right now, but we saw it between 6,500 and 3,500 feet.
ATC
Okay, thank you, sir. Delta 1998, it's going to be a delay. I'm going to bring you back around. Expect to hold over KLUMP.
ATC
Thanks for the report, sir. Delta 1998, there’s going to be a delay. I’m going to have you circle back around. Plan on flying in a holding pattern over the KLUMP navigation point.
DELTA 1998
All right, we can hold over KLUMP, Delta 1998.
DELTA 1998
Roger, we can circle over the KLUMP checkpoint, Delta 1998.
ATC
Delta 1998, climb and maintain 4,000. Turn left heading 270.
ATC
Delta 1998, climb up and stay at 4,000 feet. Turn left to a heading of 270 degrees.
DELTA 1998
Climb and maintain 4,000. Left turn heading of 270, Delta 1998.
DELTA 1998
Climbing to 4,000 feet and turning left to a heading of 270, Delta 1998.
ATC
Southwest 3512, I'll get right back to you, sir. We apparently have an emergency and I'll get back as soon as I can.
ATC
Southwest 3512, wait one moment. We apparently have a serious emergency unfolding and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
ATC
Delta 1998, turn left heading 260, intercept the localizer. You can maintain your present altitude, sir. Just maintain 3,000 until you're established for now. I'll have an approach clearance when you get a little closer.
ATC
Delta 1998, turn left to 260 degrees to line up with the runway’s guidance beam. Stay at your current height for now. Keep it at 3,000 feet until you’re locked onto the path. I’ll give you the official permission to land once you’re a bit closer.
DELTA 1998
All right, maintain 3,000. Join the localizer runway 23, Delta 1998.
DELTA 1998
Okay, staying at 3,000 and lining up with the beam for runway 23, Delta 1998.
ATC
Cactus 1452, I will be bringing you back around here shortly for the airport.
ATC
Cactus 1452, I'm going to start steering you back toward the airport in just a moment.
CACTUS 1452
Okay, we're picking up rime ice here, for a while.
CACTUS 1452
Understood, we've been getting some rough white ice building up on the plane for a bit now.
ATC
Northwest 1130, turn left heading 050.
ATC
Northwest 1130, turn left to a heading of 050 degrees.
NORTHWEST 1130
050, 1130.
NORTHWEST 1130
Turning to 050, 1130.
ATC
Delta 1998, you can descend at your discretion, maintain 2,300.
ATC
Delta 1998, you can start your descent whenever you're ready, level off at 2,300 feet.
DELTA 1998
At discretion, 2,300, Delta 1998.
DELTA 1998
Descending when ready to 2,300, Delta 1998.
ATC
Cactus 1452, turn right heading 140.
ATC
Cactus 1452, turn right to a heading of 140 degrees.
CACTUS 1452
Right to 140, Cactus 1452.
CACTUS 1452
Right turn to 140, Cactus 1452.
ATC
Okay, for all aircraft this frequency: we did have a Dash 8 over the marker that didn't make the airport. It appears to be about five miles away from the airport. For Delta 1998, I'm going to bring you in, sir, on the approach. If you could just give me a PIREP when you get to 2,300, and if you have any problem with the localizer or anything, let me know. However, we're showing it all in the green here.
ATC
Okay, for all aircraft on this frequency: we had a Dash 8 turboprop on final approach that didn't make it to the airport. It appears to be down about five miles away. Delta 1998, I'm going to guide you in now, sir. If you could just give me a weather report when you get to 2,300 feet, and let me know if you have any trouble with the runway's guidance beam. Our equipment shows it's working perfectly here.
DELTA 1998
We'll do, Delta 1998.
DELTA 1998
We'll do that, Delta 1998.
ATC
Cactus 1452, turn right heading 160, descend and maintain 2,300.
ATC
Cactus 1452, turn right to 160 degrees, then descend and stay at 2,300 feet.
CACTUS 1452
Heading, descend to 2,300 for Cactus 1452.
CACTUS 1452
Heading and down to 2,300 for Cactus 1452.
ATC
Capital 405, contact Toronto Approach 133.4.
ATC
Capital 405, switch over and talk to Toronto Approach on frequency 133.4.
CAPITAL 405
133.4, Capital 405, goodnight.
CAPITAL 405
Switching to 133.4, Capital 405, goodnight.
ATC
Delta 1998, six miles from KLUMP. Maintain 2,300 until established on the localizer. Cleared ILS approach runway 23.
ATC
Delta 1998, you're six miles from the KLUMP waypoint. Stay at 2,300 feet until you're centered on the runway's guidance beam. You're cleared for the instrument landing on runway 23.
DELTA 1998
ILS 23 and we're still in the IMC, 2,300, Delta 1998.
DELTA 1998
Instrument landing for 23, and we're still flying in the clouds with no visibility, holding 2,300, Delta 1998.
ATC
Roger. Sir, are you getting any kind of icing or anything there?
ATC
Understood. Sir, are you picking up any ice on the wings or anything like that out there?
DELTA 1998
It doesn't appear to be building. We've got about half an inch—well, about a quarter inch on us from the descent that has remained with us this whole time.
DELTA 1998
The ice doesn't seem to be getting any thicker. We've got about a quarter inch of it sticking to the plane from when we descended, and it's just stayed there this whole time.
ATC
Thank you. Cactus 1452, turn right heading 220, intercept the localizer.
ATC
Thanks for that. Cactus 1452, turn right to a heading of 220 to line up with the runway's guidance beam.
CACTUS 1452
Cleared to intercept the localizer for Cactus 1452. We've been picking up rime ice here for the last ten minutes.
CACTUS 1452
We're turning to line up with the runway signal now, Cactus 1452. We've been picking up rough, white ice here for the last ten minutes.
ATC
Okay, standby on the rime ice report. Southwest 3512, descend and maintain 4,000. As soon as you can, sir. Who was that?
ATC
Okay, hang on a second with that ice report. Southwest 3512, drop down and stay at 4,000 feet. Do that as quick as you can, sir. Now, who was that just talking?
CACTUS 1452
1452, sir. We've been getting ice for since 20 miles south of the airport.
CACTUS 1452
That was 1452, sir. We've been picking up ice ever since we were 20 miles south of the airport.
ATC
Cactus 1452, okay. If you could, let me know when you get out of the ice. An aircraft coming up from the south was reporting that earlier.
ATC
Cactus 1452, understood. If you could, let me know when you've flown clear of the icing. Another plane coming from the south mentioned it earlier too.
ATC
AeroQuest 920, proceed direct to Allegheny County, sir.
ATC
AeroQuest 920, you can fly straight to the Allegheny County airport now, sir.
AEROQUEST 920
Direct Allegheny, AeroQuest 920, thanks.
AEROQUEST 920
Heading straight for Allegheny, AeroQuest 920, thanks.
ATC
Southwest 3512, turn right heading 220, intercept the localizer.
ATC
Southwest 3512, turn right to heading 220 and line up with the runway's guidance beam.
SOUTHWEST 3512
Right 220, intercept the localizer, Southwest 3512.
SOUTHWEST 3512
Right to 220 to catch the runway signal, Southwest 3512.
ATC
Delta 1998, if you could, just disregard the autoland, sir. Contact Tower 120.5. Just let him know if you have any variation on the localizer or anything.
ATC
Delta 1998, if you could, just don't worry about using the automatic landing system, sir. Switch over to the Tower controllers on 120.5. Just let them know if the runway guidance signal starts acting up at all.
DELTA 1998
120.5, will do, Delta 1998. Thanks.
DELTA 1998
Switching to 120.5, will do, Delta 1998. Thanks.
ATC
Northwest 1130, descend and maintain 7,000.
ATC
Northwest 1130, descend and stay at 7,000 feet.
NORTHWEST 1130
9,000 for 7,000, Northwest 1130.
NORTHWEST 1130
Leaving 9,000 for 7,000, Northwest 1130.
ATC
Cactus 1452, seven miles from KLUMP. Maintain 2,300 until established on the localizer. Cleared ILS approach runway 23.
ATC
Cactus 1452, you're seven miles from the KLUMP checkpoint. Stay at 2,300 feet until you're locked onto the runway signal. You're cleared for the instrument landing on runway 23.
CACTUS 1452
Okay, 2,300 until established, cleared for ILS 23, Cactus 1452. The ice is starting to come off the windscreen now.
CACTUS 1452
Okay, we'll stay at 2,300 feet until we're lined up with the landing signal. We're cleared for the instrument approach to runway 23, Cactus 1452. The ice is finally starting to break off our windshield now.
ATC
Any kind of information that we can get, we'd appreciate. So right now at 2,300, it seems pretty clear for you?
ATC
We appreciate any updates you can give us. So, at your current altitude of 2,300 feet, does the air seem pretty clear of icing conditions for you?
CACTUS 1452
I'd say, but the ice is starting to dissipate.
CACTUS 1452
I'd say so, the ice is definitely starting to melt away.
ATC
Thank you. Southwest 3512, if you're picking up any ice, you should be getting out of it shortly. You can descend and maintain 2,300.
ATC
Thanks for that. Southwest 3512, if you're seeing any ice, you should be out of it soon. You’re cleared to drop down and stay at 2,300 feet.
SOUTHWEST 3512
Present 260 at 14. Thank you.
SOUTHWEST 3512
Our current wind is from the west at 14 knots. Thank you.
ATC
Cactus 1452, thanks for the help. I appreciate it. Contact Tower 120.5.
ATC
Cactus 1452, thanks for the help. I really appreciate the report. Switch over to the control tower now on frequency 120.5.
CACTUS 1452
120.5 for Cactus. Did you find Colgan?
CACTUS 1452
Switching to 120.5, Cactus. Did you guys ever find that Colgan flight?
ATC
Unfortunately, they said he went down about right over the marker, KLUMP.
ATC
Sadly, they’re saying he crashed right over the KLUMP navigation beacon.
ATC
Northwest 1130, turn left heading 350.
ATC
Northwest 1130, turn left to a northwesterly heading of 350 degrees.
NORTHWEST 1130
350, Northwest 1130.
NORTHWEST 1130
Turning to 350, Northwest 1130.
ATC
Southwest 3512, 1.4 miles from KLUMP. Maintain 2,300 until established on the localizer. Cleared ILS approach runway 23.
ATC
Southwest 3512, you're about a mile and a half from the KLUMP beacon. Stay at 2,300 feet until you've caught the landing beam. You’re cleared for the instrument approach to runway 23.
SOUTHWEST 3512
Cleared ILS 23, Southwest 3512.
SOUTHWEST 3512
Cleared for the instrument landing on 23, Southwest 3512.
ATC
Delta 1998, hold short. Aircraft inbound, have you taxi momentarily.
ATC
Delta 1998, stop just short of the runway. There’s a plane coming in, and I’ll have you moving again in just a moment.
DELTA 1998
Runway's in sight, Delta 1998.
DELTA 1998
We have the runway in sight, Delta 1998.
ATC
Delta 1998, if able, left next taxiway to the ramp, this frequency via Alpha, Alpha 1.
ATC
Delta 1998, if you can, take the next left onto the taxiway toward the parking area. Stay on this radio channel and use taxiways Alpha and Alpha 1.
DELTA 1998
Alpha, Alpha 1, Delta 1998. We had a little fluctuation in the localizer at 1,500 feet.
DELTA 1998
Tower, this is Delta 1998. Just wanted to report that our landing guidance needle was acting a bit jumpy when we were at 1,500 feet.
ATC
Was that at 1,500 feet?
ATC
Did you say that happened at 1,500 feet?
DELTA 1998
Affirmative. It went about one dot deflection left and right.
DELTA 1998
That's correct. The needle swayed back and forth about one mark off the center line.
ATC
Roger, thank you.
ATC
Got it, thanks for the report.
ATC
Cactus 1452, Buffalo Tower, wind 270 at 14. Cleared to land runway 23. Previous arriving MD-88 reported fluctuations in the localizer at 1,500 feet, plus or minus one dot deflection.
ATC
Cactus 1452, Buffalo Tower, the wind is from the west at 14 knots. You are cleared to land on runway 23. Be advised, the plane that just arrived reported the landing guidance signal was wobbling slightly at 1,500 feet.
CACTUS 1452
Okay, copy. Cleared to land, Cactus 1452.
CACTUS 1452
Okay, we've got that. Cleared to land, Cactus 1452.
SOUTHWEST 3512
Buffalo Tower, Southwest 3512 checking in with you for the ILS 23.
SOUTHWEST 3512
Buffalo Tower, Southwest 3512 checking in; we're using the instrument landing system for runway 23.
ATC
Southwest 3512, Buffalo Approach, continue inbound for runway 23.
ATC
Southwest 3512, Buffalo Approach, continue heading in toward runway 23.
SOUTHWEST 3512
3512.
SOUTHWEST 3512
3512, will do.
ATC
Northwest 1130, turn left heading 250, intercept the localizer.
ATC
Northwest 1130, turn left to heading 250 to catch the runway's guidance beam.
NORTHWEST 1130
23 localizer, Northwest 1130.
NORTHWEST 1130
Catching the beam for runway 23, Northwest 1130.
ATC
Northwest 1130, wind is 270 at 12.
ATC
Northwest 1130, the wind is from the west at 12 knots.
NORTHWEST 1130
Thanks.
NORTHWEST 1130
Thanks.
ATC
Cactus 1452, coming up on KLUMP, and we just saw the glow. Do you guys know what's going on?
ATC
Cactus 1452, as you're approaching the KLUMP waypoint... we just saw a glow on the horizon. Do you guys know what's going on out there?
ATC
Cactus 1452, Buffalo Tower, wind 260 at 14. Runway 23, you're cleared to land. Yes, sir, we are aware.
ATC
Cactus 1452, Buffalo Tower, wind is from the west at 14. You're cleared to land on runway 23. And yes, sir, we are aware of the situation.
CACTUS 1452
Okay.
CACTUS 1452
Cactus 1452, copy that.
ATC
Northwest 1130, descend and maintain 2,300.
ATC
Northwest 1130, go ahead and drop down to 2,300 feet and stay at that altitude.
NORTHWEST 1130
7,000 for 2,300, Northwest 1130.
NORTHWEST 1130
Leaving 7,000 feet and heading down to 2,300, Northwest 1130.
ATC
AeroQuest 920, contact Erie Approach 121.0. Have a good evening.
ATC
AeroQuest 920, switch over to the Erie radar controllers on frequency 121.0. Have a good evening.
AEROQUEST 920
121.0, AeroQuest 920. Have a good night.
AEROQUEST 920
Switching to 121.0, AeroQuest 920. You have a good night too.
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