Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 1
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Human Factors
D01 began the hand off of Aircraft X at 8;000 feet with 9;000 feet as the final altitude request. Per the LOA; I took the hand off assuming the aircraft would be level at 9;000 feet before the boundary. A couple minutes from the boundary; it was apparent Aircraft X was still not climbing to 9;000 feet. I had the D-side (a trainee) call D01 and inquire if the aircraft was climbing and would be level. My minimum IFR altitude is 9;000 feet. D01 responded saying Aircraft X was NORDO and they had attempted to call him multiple times. Aircraft X entered my airspace level at 8;000 feet; below my terrain. I attempted to get a hold of Aircraft X multiple times on my frequency and on guard with no luck. I was then relieved from position.
Called Denver Approach to ask if Aircraft X was climbing to 9;000 feet because he was showing 8;000 feet with no updates to indicate a climb. The airway the aircraft was filed over had an MEA of 8;500 feet. Denver Approach said they tried to climb with no response from the aircraft and to show him NORDO. We tried the aircraft on guard frequency and on out frequency with no response. The aircraft eventually came up on our frequency and was able to climb them to a safe altitude.
ZDV ARTCC Controllers reported handoff coordination issues with D01 TRACON resulting in an aircraft flying below the MEA.