PA-23-250 Aztec
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 5
Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert
Aircraft; Human Factors
PA23 was IFR and was NORDO when I took the sector. The aircraft was level at 8000 feet; but eventually the MEA along the route was 9000 feet. I tried transmitting in the blind several times on different transmitters; transmitting on guard; and asking for an IDENT. I had another aircraft nearby; so I used that aircraft to relay on two previous frequencies; my other frequency; guard (multiple times); and CTAF of the nearest airport. When the PA23 approached the 9000 feet MEA; I transmitted low altitude alerts and climb clearances in the blind. The aircraft entered the 9000 feet MEA at 8000 feet. Pilots should be more aware and not go 100 miles without talking to ATC or monitoring guard.
Center Controller reported being unable to contact a PA23 aircraft which flew below the MEA.