Multiple runway configuration changes dictated by weather moving through the C90 area and the numerous random vectors being utilized to handle traffic result in enough confusion for a controller to refuse more traffic in his sector.

Date: 2010-07 · Aircraft: Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer · Phase: approach

Anomalies: atc-issue-all-types

Synopsis

Multiple runway configuration changes dictated by weather moving through the C90 area and the numerous random vectors being utilized to handle traffic result in enough confusion for a controller to refuse more traffic in his sector.

Narrative

ORD was on West Flow. I was vectoring Runway 27L; to start. There was a lot of weather in the area. The Front Line Manager (FLM) says we are changing to Plan D. The last two aircraft on 27L were already cleared for the approach. I was told to cancel the approach clearance and take them to Runway 22R. We are still taking hand offs from ZAU. I got the two aircraft on the 22R approach along with a few other aircraft and then we were changing to 14's. Now I'm taking aircraft off 22R and headed for 14L. All the 22R traffic went around. About the time I get three aircraft on 14L; I'm told I need to start following myself to 22R again. We are still taking handoffs from ZAU. On 22R the fix east arrival is straight in. I got straight-ins and re-sequencing the aircraft I took off the 14L pattern. Now I was told to go back to 14L because we are not gonna use 22R. We are still taking hand offs from ZAU. I start vectoring back to 14L. One aircraft says he can't make it to the turn-on point and has to divert due to the numerous runway changes. I think two aircraft went in on 14L and I was told to go back to 22R. We are still taking hand offs from ZAU. I vector back to 22R; the first aircraft down the final says he needs to turn off the final for weather. I tell my hand off not to take any more traffic until we actually have a runway we can use. If this all sound very confusing; welcome to my world. In many years as a controller I have never felt physically or mentally the way I felt when I left work that night. I hope I never do again. Arrivals should have been stopped sooner. Having the whole room on random vectors with weather everywhere is an accident waiting to happen.

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