Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Situational Awareness; Confusion
Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
General Declared Emergency
Weather; Human Factors; Procedure
I was RADAR Controller. Class C Tower called to hand off the C172 who was unable to navigate to the Class D airport in VFR; and was requesting assistance. The weather at both the Class D and Class C had deteriorated rapidly in the prior 10 minutes. I inquired as to if the pilot was IFR rated; to which he replied 'negative.' he had requested a special VFR into Class D. SVFR is not permitted after sunset unless the pilot is IFR rated. I suggested the Class C airport as an alternative; as they were reporting VFR conditions. The pilot proceeded towards the Class C but the encountered clouds blocking his path; and turned away stating he wanted to go to a nearby Class E. He then said he could not see the Class E airport but could see the Class D. I contacted the Class D to see if they had perhaps improved to basic VFR minimums; but the Class D Controller stated they were still IFR. I advised the pilot to maintain VFR; and confirmed he had the terrain in site. He said he had the Class D in site; and after discussion with my FLM; we determined that this was an emergency; and the safest course of action would be to have the pilot land as soon as practical at the Class D. The aircraft landed safely. Specific training on when it is OK to deviate from FAR's for an aircraft in distress.
A C172 contacted TRACON requesting to land at a Class D airport; requesting SVFR. The Class D was IFR and it was after sunset and the pilot stated they were not IFR rated. I told the Controller; the pilot was not qualified for SVFR flight in these conditions. The Controller suggested a Class C airport as VFR alternative and the pilot proceeded towards the Class C. The pilot encountered clouds blocking his path to the Class C and turned away. The Class E airport was also suggested; but the pilot said they could see the Class D airport so I instructed the CPC to allow the aircraft to land at the Class D airport to get them on the ground safely. Pilot pre planning was poor. He should have thought out 'what if'; prior to 5 minutes from destination and review the pilot requirements for SVFR flight.
TRACON Controller with the approval of a supervisor; declared an emergency for a VFR aircraft requesting a SVFR clearance into an airport that was IFR; after official sunset.