ZSE Controller reported pilot failed to follow control instructions resulted in entering a higher MVA creating a CFTT event.

2023-10 · NASA ASRS report 2045053

Date: 2023-10 · Aircraft: Light Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng · Phase: descent

Anomalies: deviation-discrepancy-procedural-clearance|inflight-event-encounter-cftt-cfit

Synopsis

ZSE Controller reported pilot failed to follow control instructions resulted in entering a higher MVA creating a CFTT event.

Narrative

Aircraft X was descending into LWS to the MIA of 6000. The aircraft was about 17 miles out when an inbound was called to the Tower. Aircraft was nearing the airport without calling the field in site. When aircraft approached the airport and I tried calling them; they would not respond. After numerous failed attempts of reaching them; I issued a low altitude alert since at this point; they flew over the airport and were headed to higher terrain; 6500 feet. After this alert; I called Lewiston Tower and had them try and reach the pilot. They said he was on their frequency; I told them I never cleared him for the visual approach as the pilot never called the field; and I had never shipped the aircraft to Tower. He should have not been on their frequency. I proceeded to tell the Tower Controller to climb the aircraft to 6500 ft.; my MIA. Shortly thereafter; the pilot stated to the Tower Controller they are canceling IFR. Pilots need to listen to frequency changes and not assume they are cleared for approach.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.

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