‘I Don’t Know Where You Are!’ New Audio Reveals Chaotic Moment When Newark Air Traffic Controllers Suffered Radar Blackout

CNN on Tuesday aired audio of a stunning moment between an air traffic controller and a pilot when Newark, New Jersey’s airport suffered a radar outage.

Newark Liberty International Airport has been plagued by significant delays and cancellations stemming from air traffic control staffing shortages. The issue has become so severe that United Airlines even advised customers to avoid the airport altogether.

Making matters worse was a technical issue that resulted in air traffic controllers losing sight of planes on April 28. Although the issue was brief — lasting roughly 30 seconds, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy — it was enough for “at least” five controllers to take trauma leave.

Although the brief blackout didn’t result in any accidents, newly released audio obtained by CNN showed just how chaotic the moment became when a controller couldn’t find the plane whose pilot he was talking to:

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER: No, you do not have a bravo clearance. We lost our radar and it’s not working correctly. Radar service terminates. Squawk VFR change approved. If you want a bravo clearance, you can just call the tower when you get closer.

PILOT: OK, I’ll wait for that frequency from you. OK?

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER: OK, no, just squawk VFR, look up the tower frequencies. And we don’t have a radar, so I don’t know where you are.

Watch above via CNN.