"unsuccessful due to the controller's workload"

Happens often, not sure if filed IFR or not. But in VFR asking for a VFR request (flight following) its at the discretion of the controllers work load. If asking for IFR then the workload would also be a problem because there is no ATC at Statesville, so the IFR clearance is long and involved. So that workload would even be more difficult to accommodate. They might have been able to file over the internet, and opened but still need readback.

I doubt reaching the tower would have changed the outcome here, but still:

Probably not trying to talk to tower, but to a specific Atlanta approach sector.

A lot of questions around "crew" qualifications and certifications.
#2 | POSTED BY REDIAL

Do tell. Seems immature to make such a comment without being specific or without a link.

Not many questions though, only one, why try to complete full circuit pattern why not fly right back in doing the "impossible turn"? Maybe they had enough power to make it. So not sure, in my abort planning if on crosswind and there's an issue we head back to runway opposite of take off.