FAA looking at controllers of errant plane

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Federal investigators are examining air traffic controllers' handling of a jetliner that overshot the Minneapolis airport by more than 100 miles, officials say.

The Federal Aviation Administration has already canceled the licenses of the two pilots on Northwest Airlines Flight 188. Sources familiar with the investigation told The Wall Street Journal the agency is also examining possible missteps by controllers who lost radio contact with the plane.

The plane, flying from San Diego to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, was out of contact for more than an hour. By the time controllers reached the pilots, it had flown past its destination but circled back and landed safely.

Controllers in Denver apparently did not realize for at least 20 minutes that Flight 188, after being told to switch to a new radio frequency, had not checked in again. Supervisors in Denver did not alert security agencies about the aircraft for another 20 or 30 minutes.

Interviews with the controllers have been scheduled for this coming week.