Approach Controller was surprised when an aircraft on final refused to comply with an approach clearance cancellation; only to discover a minimum fuel status that was not relayed properly.
Synopsis
Approach Controller was surprised when an aircraft on final refused to comply with an approach clearance cancellation; only to discover a minimum fuel status that was not relayed properly.
Narrative
A Learjet 31 was on the ILS Approach for Runway 2R with IFR traffic landing Runway 2C preceding. When issued approach clearance the Learjet 31 was issued a speed restriction by the Arrival Controller that he never complied with. As the 2 aircraft began to compress on final; I issued another speed restriction; it was not going to be enough to maintain separation; so I canceled the Learjet 31's approach clearance and issued control instructions to ensure separation was maintained. The Learjet 31 replied to my cancellation of his approach with 'unable.' After trying to verify that this was actually his response I was told he declared minimum fuel with Center. This information was never relayed to approach or myself prior to this point. We were able to see the aircraft just after the unable response and provide visual separation; but that was not a given in our weather conditions at the time and it was unacceptable that there was no communication of any fuel issues prior to that point. The pilot needs to be responsible for relaying any fuel issues as he changes facilities. There is to much room for this to slip between the cracks.
Second reporter narrative
Because of the possibility of weather the Captain filed an alternate. Approximately 275 NM from our destination we were given a descent clearance and asked for discretion because of fuel concerns. We asked for Minimum Fuel or to go to our alternate. We continued our approach to our planned destination. On the ILS the Captain was flying at approximately 2;000 MSL and 3 miles Tower told us to go around. The Captain said he was unable because of Minimum Fuel and the Tower cleared the aircraft to land. After clearing the runway Tower gave us a phone number to call and the Captain made the phone calls.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.