This is an excerpt from a report made to the Aviation Safety Reporting System. The narrative is written by the pilot, rather than FAA or NTSB officials. To maintain anonymity, many details, such as aircraft model or airport, are often scrubbed from the reports.
After departing for a training flight with a pre-solo private pilot student in the traffic pattern, we were advised to make left traffic for Runway 1.
Things started off strange when tower asked us to make an early left crosswind, which we did at 300 feet AGL.
Once established in the left downwind, we were advised to make a right 360. Upon completion of that, we were extended in the downwind. We were extended to the edge of the Class D airspace when tower asked us to turn left base.
My student read back the call and then inquired to me off the radios if we should turn due to the aircraft.
Due to my view in the right seat in a high-wing aircraft, I did not see what he was talking about. Within seconds, a multi-engine aircraft came extremely close to our aircraft, crossing from our right to left. It seems as though they were attempting to join final for 1.
Once the aircraft was in sight, I told tower on the radio that we were unable.
We had to offset to the right about 20° to avoid the traffic.
After we continued on into the downwind having had to deviate due to the near miss, tower apologized and said that the traffic was supposed to be at 2,000 feet.
I am unsure as to why tower attempted to turn us onto base with that aircraft maneuvering inbound. Had we turned we would have had a mid-air.
My student is questioning the safety and credibility of the controllers at this tower. We understand it is a training facility, but that was a negligent decision.
Primary Problem: Human Factors
ACN: 2140711
When you click on the link it will take you to the ASRS Online Database. Click on Start Search, then Report Number and put the ACN in the search box, then click Search. On that page, click on “view only the 1 most recent report.”
It is a common misconception that all towers have radar—they don’t. And even if they do, the folks in the tower are supposed to be looking outside. Their view can be interfered with by obstructions, and there’s a limitation on how far out they can see, too. I can think of many times I’ve called into a tower, HID lights flashing brightly, and the tower personnel have said, “not in sight, report xxx”.
So that the tower didn’t see the twin, or didn’t know it was at an altitude other than as expected, isn’t unusual. Even in a towered environment, it’s up to the pilot (and in this case, the obviously inexperienced instructor) to look out for other traffic. There’s no free pass on “see and avoid”, just because it’s a towered airport.
That’s why I prefer uncontrolled airports. If I decide i want to have a midair, I don’t need professional help.
“We understand it is a training facility…”
Every ATC facility is unique and must be trained for. Whether a controller is fresh from the academy or a 20 year veteran that person must be trained on a particular facility’s ins and outs. Every tower, center or approach control is a training facility.
Trust but verify!
Yep!