ZSE controller described a ZOA airspace entry event when eram equipment failed to start a track on t...

Narrative:

The R30 controller advised me that air carrier X entered oakland center's airspace without a hand off. When the oakland controller called the R30 controller observed the limited data block about three miles south of the boundary. The R30 controller stated he didn't depart the flight plan when he issued the clearance; the pilot didn't check on; apparently he had radio problems; and there was no code observed. Recommendation; the controller self identified that he normally departs the flight plan; but didn't in this case. There was some casual conversation taking place which may have contributed to the incident. I was observing the controller during the time he issued the clearance and he was attentive to sector operations.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: ZSE Controller described a ZOA airspace entry event when ERAM equipment failed to start a track on the subject aircraft; the reporter noting the aircraft was absent of transponder information.

Narrative: The R30 Controller advised me that Air Carrier X entered Oakland Center's airspace without a hand off. When the Oakland Controller called the R30 Controller observed the limited data block about three miles south of the boundary. The R30 Controller stated he didn't depart the flight plan when he issued the clearance; the pilot didn't check on; apparently he had radio problems; and there was no code observed. Recommendation; the Controller self identified that he normally departs the flight plan; but didn't in this case. There was some casual conversation taking place which may have contributed to the incident. I was observing the Controller during the time he issued the clearance and he was attentive to sector operations.

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.

Attributes
ACN	934948
Time
Date	201103
Local Time Of Day	1801-2400
Place
Locale Reference	ZSE.ARTCC
State Reference	WA
Environment
Light	Night
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Cessna 210 Centurion / Turbo Centurion 210C 210D
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 135
Flight Phase	Cruise
Route In Use	None
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Supervisor / CIC
Person 2
Function	Enroute
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types Airspace Violation All Types Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy

ZSE controller described a ZOA airspace entry event when eram equipment failed to start a track on the subject aircraft; the reporter noting the aircraft was absent of transponder information.