Air Traffic Controllers Must Embrace Duty to Speak Up

ATC offers perspective on flight safety and communications.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

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After witnessing a rough landing, the author—an air traffic controller—alerted the FBO out of concern. The incident underscores a simple but important lesson: when something doesn't seem right, speaking up may help prevent a tragedy. [Credit: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

An air traffic controller witnessed a rental Cherokee endure a dangerously hard, "pancaked" landing and veer off the runway, but the pilot did not report the incident.
Concerned about potential damage, the controller unofficially alerted the FBO, but the subsequent inspection appeared cursory, and the aircraft was quickly returned to service.
Days later, the same Cherokee experienced a catastrophic landing gear separation mid-flight with a different pilot, requiring the controller to guide a successful emergency landing.
The incident underscores the critical importance of pilots reporting all adverse events and FBOs conducting thorough inspections to ensure aircraft airworthiness and prevent serious accidents.

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As the previous arrival clears the runway, I transmit, “November 11 Alpha, cleared for the option” per his request. I’m moderately busy at the local control (Tower) position with several VFR aircraft doing pattern work interspersed with occasional itinerant arrivals and departures.

I work the VFR traffic around the IFR arrivals and into the flow. It’s a sunny spring afternoon, a good day for flying. I focus on the arrival, making sure all looks well with the aircraft, and double-check the runway and departure path as he approaches for what I expect to be a touch-and-go or stop-and-go.