Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic
Human Factors
I was working final for LGA. LGA was on the LOC 31 approach and departing 31 due to high winds. CRJ 200 was crossing over the localizer on a 060 heading. I descended CRJ 200 to 3;000 feet. I then issued instructions to other planes. Then I instructed CRJ 200 to 'reduce speed to 180 then descend and maintain 2;000 feet.' The pilot read back '180 then 2;000.' I then issued other instruction to other aircraft. And I notice CRJ 200 turning Southbound and heading directly to another air carrier on the final which was at 1;700 feet. Since there was another plane left of CRJ 200 at 2;000 feet on a parallel heading; I decided to climb CRJ 200 and have the plane turn to the right putting the aircraft over the other air carrier. Separation was reduced to about .5 miles and several hundred feet. One disturbing aspect to the event was that the aural Conflict Alert did not sound. There was only a visual Conflict Alert on my scope. I believe this is due to the fact that the separation event was happening within 7 miles of the LGA airport. I believe that the aural alarms are disabled in the TRACON within 7 miles of the airport. If this is the case; I strongly suggest that this procedure should be stopped immediately. Enable the aural alarms with no restriction of DME from the airport. I strongly suggest that this procedure should be stopped immediately.
N90 Controller described a conflict event involving LGA landing aircraft when an aircraft apparently confused the instructions to reduce speed to 180 KTS; turning to 180 instead; the Controller noting the aural CA did not activate.