Listen: Air Traffic Controller Joking Around Before Hudson Crash

The FAA has released the audio recording of a Teterboro air traffic controller's phone banter in the moments before a small plane and sightseeing helicopter collided over the Hudson River on August 8th. We look forward to hearing this moron's voice in our heads next time we fly:

The recording was released by the FAA in response to a Freedom of Information Act request from The Associated Press; the news organization had previously obtained the transcript of the conversation —in which the "controller" jokes with a friend about barbecuing a dead cat she'd cleaned up from airport property—"Chinese people do it, so why can't we?"

Some media outlets have refrained from publishing his name, but sources have identified him as Carl Dwayne Turner, 38, of Lake Grove, on Long Island. At the time of the collision, Turner was goofing off on the phone under the impression that that Newark Airport controllers had taken over the plane's flight path. But the pilot read back the wrong radio frequency to Turner and was never corrected. Newark controllers noticed the imminent crash on their radar, but could not reach the pilot.

The Newark controllers then interrupted Turner's bull session for help, but instead of immediately scrambling to contact the pilot, the following 30-second exchange ensued (via the Post):

Turner to Gal Pal: "That's why I don't -- I try not to give them the frequency, cause . . ."
Gal Pal: "Yeah, it makes sense. He probably switched over [to Newark] already."

Turner: "To the wrong frequency. That's the problem."

Gal Pal: "Oh, s- - -."

[Turner laughs.]

"Mmm, mmm, mmm," said the girlfriend.

Turner: "Damn."

Gal Pal: "You got to baby sit, huh?" she said.

Turner: "Yeah. Let me straighten this stuff out."

One second later, nine people were dead. On the full recording, Turner can be heard saying, "He's lost in the hertz."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By John Del Signore in News on October 9, 2009 9:38 AM

Comments [rss]

Noreaster76

Pilots and controllers need to dispense with the priority that speed of radio transmission holds over actually communicating clearly and accurately. If you've ever listened to ATC-to-pilot communications, it's like it's a competition to see who can talk the fastest, regardless of whether the words uttered are intelligible. But I really don't see any point in talking over the radio at all unless you can convey the salient information (especially radio frequencies and other traffic in the area) correctly.

ProcedureTurn

As it is a one way radio, calls should be kept as brief as possible and within the standard AIM (Airman Information Manual) language.

ProcedureTurn

I meant to say - Techincally its a 2-way radio, but only one person may transmit at a time. A short conscise transmission is important.

Spirit of 76

Yep. That's half-duplex radio, or as many people know it from those annoying cell phones, Push-to-Talk. When you're transmitting, you can't hear the other party. Hence saying "over" before releasing the button to tell the other party that you're done and they can talk.

ides_of_march

This does sound bad. Having said that, air traffic controller is one of the most stressful, underpaid jobs you can get. Joking around might be his way of dealing with the pressure. Just playing devil's advocate.

ProcedureTurn

It's just chatter amongst co-workers. Everyone does it.

ATC had no impact on this crash.

The private pilot was at fault, regardless of what topic the controllers spoke of.

Hey weekend flyer... pay attention to the corect frequnecy and "see and avioid" like you're supposed to.

just saying

The Teterboro controller gave the pilot the frequency of "127.85" and the pilot incorrectly replied "127.87." Because the controller was involved in a personal conversation with some bimbo, he either didn't notice and/or bother to correct the pilot. What was already a bad situation was compounded when the pilot was then distracted in his vain attempts to change over to the Newark frequency.

"See and avoid" has a lot of limitations in areas where the air traffic is highly congested. That's why competent and attentive controllers are needed. Even a few moments of pilot distraction while fiddling with an incorrect frequency can make a big difference. But, yeah, the controller didn't do his job properly and neither did his supervisor who was AWOL from the control tower when the crash occurred.