Medium Transport; High Wing; 2 Turboprop Eng
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 2
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Procedure; Human Factors
Aircraft X was proving support for SAR south of ISO at 030 feet. We had called the inbound to the Tower; but Aircraft X decided to orbit south of the airport for another 30 minutes after the initial call. The pilot then advised they would like to proceed to the airport and were cleared to do so. I decided to recall the inbound because of the amount of time that had passed since the initial call. At that time; we were unable to reach the Tower because of issues with the com lines. The regular lines were out of service. While we were attempting to call Kinston Tower; Aircraft X descended below the MIA; was issued the brasher notification and told to maintain the MIA. Aircraft X went back to the MIA and asked if they were cleared into the Tower's airspace. Being unsure; I told them to fly heading 160 to avoid; but it was not issued in time to maintain separation. Separation was reestablished and Aircraft X was cleared for a visual approach a few minutes later.If a Tower is going to be open but the standard communication lines are not in service; there should be dedicated cell phones for the Tower [to] use so that the facility providing approach control services can have a standard number to reach them.
ZDC ARTCC Controller reported an airspace violation; a low altitude alert; and communication problem with a local Tower.