Date: 201701
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: HEF.Tower, VA
Aircraft: Cessna Aircraft Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight plan: VFR
Flight phase: Initial Climb
Airspace: Class D HEF
Second aircraft: Cessna Aircraft Undifferentiated or Other Model
Aircraft component: Air/Ground Communication
Component problem: Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Government
Reporter function: Local
Reporter qualification: Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Human factors: Human-Machine Interface; Distraction; Confusion; Situational Awareness; Workload
Anomaly: ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Taxiway; Ground Incursion Runway
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Contributing factors: Procedure; Aircraft; Human Factors; Staffing
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: I was working Controller in Charge (CIC)/ Ground Control Flight Data (GCFD)/ Clearance Delivery (CD) combined. Aircraft X and Aircraft Y requested VFR flight plan information; both aircraft had filed the same flight plan route. Aircraft Y taxied first followed by Aircraft X. Aircraft Y departed first; then Aircraft X; both aircraft were southeast bound. The local controller did not observe a transponder for Aircraft Y and reached out to the pilot to verify that the aircraft transponder was working and set correctly; but the pilot did not respond. After another unanswered transmission; the Local Controller (LC) asked Aircraft X if he had Aircraft Y is sight. The pilot confirmed the aircraft insight and LC issued a frequency change. During this time; I was attempting to reconnect to the Domestic Event Network (DEN) phone that was found to be disconnected. I was also receiving phone calls on the land line from National Capitol Regional Coordination Center (NCRCC) and airport vehicles and another aircraft were calling on ground. I told vehicle and aircraft to stand by while I was broadcasting in the blind for Aircraft Y on GC/FD/CD frequencies. The LC also used the PET 2000 radio to broadcast on 121.5 for the aircraft; with no response. LC was also working other aircraft. During this time; the LC and I were both scanning the airspace; frequencies; and the radar scope for the aircraft. The LC advised BARIN [sector] that Aircraft X had Aircraft Y in sight when he changed frequency. BARIN asked the pilot if they had Aircraft Y insight still; and the BARIN controller relayed to LC that Aircraft X saw Aircraft Y turn back to the field. LC and I began more closely to scan the final as another aircraft was landing and also to scan the area south of the runways for evidence of an aircraft. At this time; the pilot of Aircraft Y called the tower on land line; he reported that he had been unable to raise the tower on the radio and he returned to land; and then taxied to the ramp and called the tower. Neither LC nor I saw the aircraft land. I thanked the pilot for calling and hung up the phone. LC notified BARIN that the aircraft was on the ground and I notified NCRCC.ARPT3 was conducting an airfield inspection; I requested that they check the northeast ramp where the pilot said he was to verify that the aircraft was on the ramp and to ask the pilot again to call the tower.ARPT3 did locate the pilot and he called again. At this time I asked the pilot what happened and collected his personal information and the name and number of his supervisor. He said that he had a voltage indication and then he began to lose electrical systems; including his radio. The pilot then returned to the field and safely landed without interfering with other aircraft and without incident. Upon landing he was still NORDO; and taxied safely to the ramp and called the tower on the land line.1) There should have been a broader scan by both controllers in the tower to include the runway. While we both worked every avenue we know to locate the aircraft; we should have also been looking more closely at the runways incase the aircraft returned to land.2) There was an anticipated increase in aircraft activity for today and the next few days. The staffing for today was for 3 controllers and 1 supervisor. Given the anticipated increase in inbound activity; it may have been beneficial to have staffing the tower to have all 3 main positions decombined; thus providing an extra person to assist in the scan and to manage the phone. Instead only 2 controllers were in the tower working positions.3) I could have done a better job prioritizing and recalled the controller on break




Synopsis: Manassas Regional Airport Tower Controller reported an aircraft departed VFR; then returned due to radio problems; but the Tower Controllers did not see the aircraft land and taxi to parking.