Date: 202108
Local time of day: 0601-1200
Location: ZZZ.TRACON, US
Flight conditions: VMC
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Operator: Personal
Operating under: Part 91
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Personal
Flight phase: Initial Climb
Airspace: Class E ZZZ
ATC / advisory: TRACON ZZZ
Aircraft component: ILS/VOR
Component problem: Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Government
Reporter function: Departure
Reporter qualification: Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Human factors: Situational Awareness; Time Pressure; Confusion; Distraction
Anomaly: ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Detector: Person Air Traffic Control
When detected: In-flight
Result: Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Contributing factors: ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Aircraft; Procedure; Human Factors; Airspace Structure
Primary problem: Airspace Structure

Narrative: Aircraft X was departing on the ZZZ1 Obstacle Departure Procedure which climbs on a heading to intercept a VORTAC radial. The aircraft was NW bound; as expected; when the pilot advised that they were not receiving the VORTAC and requested a radar vector. The aircraft was at 3;200 in a 4;000 ft. MVA (Minimum Vectoring Altitude). I explained that I was unable to vector and issued a low altitude alert. I advised the pilot to remain on the DP (Departure Procedure) if able.Aircraft was above EOVM (Emergency Obstruction Video Map) altitude; very near the airport; and on a general heading that mirrored the departure procedure and would clear the 4;000 foot MVA in a timely manner. The aircraft then turned towards the east and higher terrain. I re-issued a low altitude alert; instructed the aircraft to expedite the climb and upon reaching 4;000 ft.; turn to a heading of 270. The aircraft reached 4;000 ft. and turned westbound. I put the aircraft on course and notified management. Reports from other aircraft indicated the VORTAC was functioning.I was instructed by management that I should have issued a vector to the aircraft below the MVA because it was an emergency. I was talked to and warned to be more cautious and issue headings when a pilot asks for them when they are below the MVA. I did the wrong thing by issuing a low altitude alert. A vector below the MVA would have been more appropriate in this situation. I will learn from this situation. I consider myself fortunate for not being disciplined officially and am grateful I was only 'talked to' about this egregious lapse of control judgment.




Synopsis: A TRACON Controller reported an aircraft flying an Obstacle Departure Procedure reported not receiving the VOR while still below the Minimum Vectoring Altitude. The Controller reported Supervisors told the reporter they should have vectored the aircraft while below the Minimum Vectoring Altitude.