Small Aircraft; High Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 21.5
Training / Qualification
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Human Factors; Staffing
I was training a Developmental on the D side. The aircraft asked on frequency if we had any targets in his vicinity. The R Controller replied affirmative and called a target in his vicinity about 300 feet lower; moving away. The pilot sounded shaken and decided to end his photo mission and return to MHK. We learned later that the pilot stated to management in a phone call that the other aircraft had passed by very close. He estimated 50 feet. The R Controller was busy at the time with a steady stream of clearances and advisories on the radio. Right before the event he was talking to another aircraft going into SLN VFR and then activates an IFR flight plan. While this discussion was going on; the event occurred. No conflict alert or Mode C intruder was activated.This aircraft was operating very low; just above the MHK Class D airspace. It is possible that better advisory service would have been provided by the Tower.
A small high wing aircraft was performing a low-altitude photo mission in the vicinity of MHK; and had requested and received flight following. At one point; the pilot of the small high wing aircraft asked if we were showing any VFR traffic in the area. The Radar Controller replied in the affirmative; that there was an aircraft in the vicinity; and provided specific range; bearing; and altitude information. The pilot sounded shaken; and reported that he was terminating his photo mission. Later we learned that the pilot believed to have passed within fifty (50) feet of another airplane. While this had been occurring; the radar team was responsible for two sectors and was working complex traffic including approaches into other towered airports. At no point was a conflict alert or traffic warning exhibited by the Center Computer.In this particular situation; I would suggest leaving the advisory role with the control Tower; due to its proximity to and the low altitude of the event.
Pilot receiving flight following questioned Controller about traffic in close proximity to his aircraft. Controller did not issue traffic until pilot questioned Controller. Unknown traffic was extremely close to traffic under ATC control.