Reply #14: I have a funny story about that...

[MercutioATC]

I was working a 757 at 37,000 feet. The pilot calls, saying "Center, we've lost an engine. We're descending" (a 757 can fly on only one engine, but not at 37,000 feet). I get everybody out of his way and vector him toward a major airport. Somebody comes to relieve me, and I turn the sector over.

Walking by the sector that's now working the plane, I sit down to coordinate with the approach control. I tell them what's happening and that we'll need a call when the plane lands to let us know he made it down safely. About 10 minutes later they call.

Them: "Center, you know that guy lost an engine?"

Me: "Well, yeah. That's why he declared an emergency."

Them: "No, he LOST the engine. It's not on the plane."


Wow!