ZLA Controller working combined sectors described a confused transfer/hand off from MMZT ARTCC that resulted in the aircraft fly a considerate distance into U.S. airspace before being positively identified.
Synopsis
ZLA Controller working combined sectors described a confused transfer/hand off from MMZT ARTCC that resulted in the aircraft fly a considerate distance into U.S. airspace before being positively identified.
Narrative
I was working Sector 21/22/30 combined. I was busy with numerous noise abatement departures off LAX. Our procedure with MMZT ARTCC is that we don't manually hand off aircraft with them (automated hand offs are not available); they just terminate the aircraft and transfer communications. We then have the aircraft IDENT or assign a new code if required and re-identify them. A B737 checked in with me. I thought it was another aircraft off LAX checking in and rogered that aircraft. There was a flight plan depicted on the URET but I was too busy to look at the URET. As I was trying to split off Sector 21/22 ; Sector 25 called asking who is that code approaching his boundary; at that point I tried to figure out who that aircraft was and saw the flight plan in the URET and was able to Identify him. Recommendation; I believe we should be making manual hand offs with MMZT ARTCC instead of hoping they or us see the flight plan. I also believe that Sector 21/22 should be split off of Sector 30 earlier in the morning.
Second reporter narrative
We contacted Los Angeles Center on 119.95 upon entry into US Airspace from Mexico and heard what we thought was our call sign from LA Center acknowledging our check-on. In fact; Center had actually responded with a different call sign and we did not catch the error. This communication error led to the controller failing to RADAR identify us for the next 80 miles. Near SXC we received a call from Center to IDENT and responded appropriately. We also received a message from Dispatch to contact LA Center on 126.52 but we were still talking to them on 119.95. Initially Center thought that Mazatlan failed to hand us off; but upon review of the tapes it was verified that we did check on with LA Center and Center responded with the incorrect call sign. We contacted LA Center upon landing and discussed the error. The LA Center indicated there was no pilot deviation and was just trying to gather information. I told him that I would report the event for information sharing throughout our pilot group. The point is that we must be RADAR identified upon entering US Airspace. For obvious security reasons; we have a vested interest in ensuring the controllers make positive RADAR identification.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.