DA40 Diamond Star
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Landing Without Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Airport; Human Factors
I landed at HTO without communicating with the temporary Tower. Communicated over the published CTAF frequency; but there was a temporary Tower in effect in Class G airspace. I had called Flight Service for weather but didn't mention HTO; which was an unplanned fuel stop. I checked NOTAMs on DUATS; it did not mention the temporary Tower. I had called HTO to inquire about fuel; they didn't mention the temporary Tower. I used flight following with Providence Approach who released me five miles from the airport with 'no traffic observed between me and the field; squawk VFR; and have a nice day'. They did not advise of the Tower. Recommendations for improved safety: 1. Let approach controllers know they should advise pilots of new temporary Tower. 2. Temporary Tower should monitor CTAF for aircraft broadcasting on that frequency.
A DA-40 pilot making an unplanned fuel stop at HTO; landed without a clearance. He was unaware of the presence of a temporary Control Tower.