Lawmakers are seeking answers after it was revealed air traffic controllers lost all communications with flights in the air for nearly two minutes.
With no radar or radio communications, pilots were effectively flying blind for 90 seconds.
The controllers in Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control, which oversees air traffic at Newark Airport, ‘temporarily lost radar and communications with the aircraft under their control, unable to see, hear, or talk to them.’
Controllers were overseeing flightpaths for about 20 planes in and out of the airport at the time.
This and ongoing delays reportedly has left some controllers ‘traumatized.’
It is the most serious problem since Newark began experiencing delays and disruption more than a week ago, leading to hundreds of delays for air travelers.
“Connectivity completely failed,’ a source told CNN.
Several FAA employees have reportedly taken leave due to the incident, compounding staff shortages further.
“Some controllers at the Philadelphia TRACON who work Newark arrivals and departures have taken time off to recover from the stress,” the FAA said.
“We continue to train controllers who will eventually be assigned to this busy airspace.”
Even before the comms failure was revealed, there have been calls for action.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said the week-long series of delays is ‘completely and utterly unacceptable.’
On Monday, 160 flights were canceled and 375 flights delayed.
“To say that there is just minor turbulence at Newark Airport and the FAA would be the understatement of the year. We’re here because the FAA is really a mess,” said Sem. Chuck Schumer.
“This mess needs a real forensic look. I am demanding a full inspector general investigation as to what went on.”
The current situation is ‘ridiculous’ said Peter Goelz, former managing director of the National Transportation Safety Board.
“We have a very safe system, but anytime it’s stressed like this, where you have controllers who are feeling under maximum pressure, it impacts safety. People have a right to be concerned.”
