Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Human-Machine Interface; Distraction; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings
Aircraft X was issued beacon code; radar identified and cleared into Bravo via direct Ford Island; direct Navy Marine golf course for Runway 4L. After the 2nd to 4th scan; aircraft disappeared on radar display. Immediate query of aircraft on frequency was positive. I asked the adjacent controller to go to Mosaic display immediately and we both observed the limited data block of the aircraft. Coordination began immediately with Tower for radar handoff. The Tower had to go into Mosaic also to see the aircraft to receive the radar handoff. Previous similar situations have been reported; however these have been outbound aircraft on the Redhill and Freeway departures. Report was submitted to FLM. The chaos this caused could have had negative results with conflicting traffic and other priorities that almost became overlooked while attention was diverted from the operation. All aircraft were handled appropriately; however; I believe my experience and being a Subject Matter Expert on this equipment allowed me to overcome the handicap. The last explanation we have received is a control sheet issued within the past month advising that this is Mode S related.
HCF Controller reported situation where aircraft target disappears unless equipment is in mosaic mode.