Narrative:

Aircraft X had a flight plan to ZZZ1. At the time of departure we received an arrival flight strip estimating ZZZ1 XA42Z. The a-side controller delivered the arrival strip along with a NOTAM indicating a closed runway at ZZZ1 runway 18/36. To prevent the pilot from making the trip all the way to ZZZ1 I had the flm (flight line manager) call ZZZ1 airport to get more information on the runway closure. It was possible it could be a short time closed due to snow and ice removal and could be reopened upon his arrival. The flm made two attempts to call the facility; but received a voice recording each time. Aircraft X checked on at six thousand feet with pilots discretion to four thousand feet. I relayed all pertinent NOTAMS including the runway 18/36 closed; and asked if he knew anything about the runway closure. He stated he didn't and I asked him if he wanted to switch to unicom to see if he could find out for himself. Aircraft X replied he was unable to get a hold of any airport personnel and wanted to continue inbound. After a second attempt from aircraft X to contact any airport personnel; I asked his intentions. Aircraft X wanted an ILS runway 36 due to weather. At this time I was coordinating with my d-side about the options we had as controllers. We asked the flm and the response we received was we could offer him a 'restricted low approach'. Upon hearing this; I cleared aircraft X for a 'restricted low approach ILS runway 36'; the pilot read back the clearance and then I added; 'runway 18/36 is notamed closed; along with giving him missed approach instructions. After his approach he stated he was in communication with the airport personnel and was told the runway would be open shortly. Aircraft X indicated he wanted another ILS 36 approach and waited for the NOTAM to be cancelled. After the NOTAM was cancelled I cleared aircraft X for the ILS runway 36. Upon landing; aircraft X gave me a PIREP and cancelled his flight plan. After reviewing the situation I do not believe the information I received was correct. Since we didn't have communication with airport or ground personnel I don't believe authorization for a low approach should be granted. I am not aware at what point the pilot of aircraft X had communication with airport personnel. If you clear an aircraft for an approach at a closed runway; you need to have concurrence from ground personnel. Otherwise; one should withhold the approach clearance; restate the applicable NOTAM; and advise the operation would be at their (pilot's) own risk.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: ARTCC Controller chronicles a debate on whether an aircraft can be cleared for an approach to a NOTAMED closed runway if go around altitude restrictions are issued.

Narrative: Aircraft X had a flight plan to ZZZ1. At the time of departure we received an arrival flight strip estimating ZZZ1 XA42Z. The A-Side controller delivered the arrival strip along with a NOTAM indicating a closed runway at ZZZ1 Runway 18/36. To prevent the pilot from making the trip all the way to ZZZ1 I had the FLM (Flight Line Manager) call ZZZ1 airport to get more information on the runway closure. It was possible it could be a short time closed due to snow and ice removal and could be reopened upon his arrival. The FLM made two attempts to call the facility; but received a voice recording each time. Aircraft X checked on at six thousand feet with pilots discretion to four thousand feet. I relayed all pertinent NOTAMS including the Runway 18/36 closed; and asked if he knew anything about the runway closure. He stated he didn't and I asked him if he wanted to switch to UNICOM to see if he could find out for himself. Aircraft X replied he was unable to get a hold of any airport personnel and wanted to continue inbound. After a second attempt from Aircraft X to contact any airport personnel; I asked his intentions. Aircraft X wanted an ILS Runway 36 due to weather. At this time I was coordinating with my D-side about the options we had as controllers. We asked the FLM and the response we received was we could offer him a 'Restricted low approach'. Upon hearing this; I cleared Aircraft X for a 'Restricted low approach ILS Runway 36'; the pilot read back the clearance and then I added; 'Runway 18/36 is NOTAMED closed; along with giving him missed approach instructions. After his approach he stated he was in communication with the airport personnel and was told the runway would be open shortly. Aircraft X indicated he wanted another ILS 36 approach and waited for the NOTAM to be cancelled. After the NOTAM was cancelled I cleared Aircraft X for the ILS Runway 36. Upon landing; Aircraft X gave me a PIREP and cancelled his flight plan. After reviewing the situation I do not believe the information I received was correct. Since we didn't have communication with airport or ground personnel I don't believe authorization for a low approach should be granted. I am not aware at what point the pilot of Aircraft X had communication with airport personnel. If you clear an aircraft for an approach at a closed runway; you need to have concurrence from ground personnel. Otherwise; one should withhold the approach clearance; Restate the applicable NOTAM; and advise the operation would be at their (pilot's) own risk.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.