PA-46 Malibu Meridian
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types
General None Reported / Taken
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings
A CVLT was doing VFR pattern work in the rectangular pattern for Runway 29R. An IFR PA46 reported on a GPS approach to Runway 21. The pilot did not state how far he was from the airport. I expanded the scope to 22 miles and still did not see the PA46. I then asked the pilot his location and he replied that he was 2 1/2 mile final. There was no tag; data-block; primary target; etc on the scope and I could not see the PA46 out the window. The PA46 stated that he could maintain 040. I told him to maintain 040 and instructed the CVLT to make left traffic with and early crosswind and stopped him at 035. The data-block and other associated information for the PA46 reappeared when the aircraft was midfield. I ensured that the PA46 was VFR at that point and instructed him to turn right on course to Phoenix and he departed my airspace without incident. I don't know what the fix is for this. After reviewing the RADAR tapes I found that the PA46 flew approximately 4.5 miles with no data block or primary tag.
TUS Controller described a target loss event when both the primary and secondary indications were absent near the airport.