kdca tuesday

[valowedown]

So, apparently the field turned from 1 to 19 due to a storm. However, WAPO reports, (picked up elsewhere) that a plane took off on 1 right at 2 planes with a landing clearance. Anyone capture this? (@2P EDT 7/31.)

[denverpilot]

Assume you are talking about this...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/two-planes-taking-off-from-national-put-on-collision-course-with-plane-trying-to-land/2012/08/01/gJQAxxPSQX_story.html?hpid=z1

[purduein98]

Happens just a little before halfway...you don't hear much.

http://archive-server.liveatc.net/kdca/KDCA-Jul-31-2012-1800Z.mp3

[jxlars]

For some reason, the 1800Z feed appears to have missed the transmission in the archive, as the file is only 24 minutes long. However, the Washington Post has the audio up. (It sounds like its from the Liveatc.net DCA tower/Approach feed but I don't see credit)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/air-traffic-controller-what-happened/2012/08/02/gJQAvxfbRX_video.html?hpid=z1

Also, if you look at the flightaware path of the inbound (and believe its accurate), you can practically see the avoidance maneuver on their first approach. Yikes.

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/RPA3329/history/20120731/1635Z/KPWM/KDCA

From what I gather, this was the first aircraft approaching 19 after the supposed switch to the south pattern. It certainly took the tower by surprise. Also, it looks like approach control gave the arriving aircraft a much earlier turn down the river than normal. The turn usually occurs up near or NW of the American Legion Bridge. This turn was a good 5-8 miles closer which resulted in a approach from the west instead of Northwest.

[Rick108]

Here is what I could find in the DCA feed - I left the 2 departing aircraft and all the Brickyard 3329 comms.  I notice the controller also gave them the wrong approach frequency after The Big Turn, which further complicated an already-frustrating situation...

I also noticed that the archive file only contains 24 minutes - not sure where the missing 6 minutes went...

[VictorK]

For some reason, the 1800Z feed appears to have missed the transmission in the archive, as the file is only 24 minutes long.

That's really odd.

I tried listening to the archive, but (in the webplayer that the archive opens in), the recording always stops at 7:03, and no matter how hard I try, I can't get anything between there and about 7:16. Are the missing minutes contained in that gap? And apparently missing in there is whatever calls involved avoiding the a collision.

It's obvious as well that it's a different female voice on local after the gap...