Cessna Single Turboprop Undifferentiated or Other Model
Air Traffic Control Developmental
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Other / Unknown; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft; Airspace Structure; Chart Or Publication; Human Factors
I was working the Satellite and Arrival Sectors and took radar on Aircraft X level at 4000 feet on a 250 heading. After some time; I vectored Aircraft X to a 310 heading to put the aircraft towards its course. An arrival was coming inbound that I needed to descend; so I put Aircraft X on a 280 heading to create divergence. Once the arrival was no longer a factor; I issued a 340 heading to Aircraft X and received no response. I tried again and received no response and saw no change in the course of the aircraft on the Radar. I gave an instruction to the arrival; and observed that the frequency was still working well with the other aircraft. Aircraft X was approaching an area of terrain with an MVA (Minimum Vectoring Altitude) of 5000 feet while level at 4000 feet. I attempted on 121.5 several times and included instructions to turn away from the terrain and a frequency change. I also attempted the standby transmitter for the frequency assigned and asked other positions to attempt contact and turn Aircraft X north if they had him. Calls were made to neighboring facilities to try as well. Aircraft X went into the 5000 foot MVA and shortly after contacted me. I issued a turn to heading 010 to get away from the higher terrain; and a climb to 5000 feet. When possible; I put Aircraft X on course and descended back to 4000 feet. I issued the brasher statement to the pilot prior to a frequency change to the next sector. I could have told the pilot when to expect a vector back to the north; and it's possible they may have realized earlier that their radio had failed when they didn't receive an instruction.
A Center Controller reported an aircraft on a vector went NORDO and flew below the Minimum Vectoring Altitude.