The controller continued, "The controller working the aircraft suggested Lakefront Airport. The 6,600' runway there would be suitably long enough. We advised Lakefront to suspend any pattern operations & standby for an emergency arrival in the form of an air carrier.

TACA's glide ratio was terrible due to the weather they were flying through. Options we discussed in the TRACON included a possible emergency landing on the I-10 (1 straight mile for every 5 miles of highway), ditching in Lake Bourne, or ditching in Lake Ponchartrain. Given the aircraft's position, deteriorating glide ratio, and uncertainty of landing safely on the highway, the pilot opted for vectors to Lake Ponchartrain. The controller issued the heading. The reported cloud ceilings at Lakefront were 1,700' overcast. The aircraft was northwest-bound when it passed over the Industrial Canal. At 1,600' we lost the transponder & the aircraft made a hard turn to the left.

To a man we all thought that they had stalled out & spun in. There was no ELT signal."

The controller continued, "The two controllers working were relieved from position by myself & another controller. The other fellow took the Radar positions working the east side of the approach control airspace; I took the west airspace & our then non-radar sector. At that point we had no idea of whether the aircraft made it or not. Coast Guard helicopters were dispatched from NBG & were en-route to the area."

The controller continued, "But here's how we found the aircraft. Lakefront called for an IFR release off Runway 36L. It was a King Air filed IFR for points east. Normally the release would be runway heading and climbing to 2,000'. I suggested we issue the departure a right turn to 90 degrees & climb only to 1,500'. That was our Minimum Vectoring Altitude & it would most likely keep the King Air below the cloud bases. We solicited the King Air's help, naturally they were more than happy to assist.

They were just west of the Michoud Facility when they reported the B737 intact on the ground at the plant.

To say we were greatly relieved is an understatement."

It had less than 90 hours total time on the plane. It was for all, intents and purposes, brand new."

The controller continued, "After more than 2 decades of air traffic control I still say this is the most splendid piece of air traffic teamwork and the most incredible piece of flying I've ever been witness to or heard of.

The flight crew had mere seconds to assess the situation as to whether its the lake of the field. They nailed it."

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