Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 11; Flight Crew Total 234; Flight Crew Type 234
Communication Breakdown
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure; Human Factors; Airport
After listening to the Tower frequency for approximately 20 SM with no observed traffic; I contacted MHK approximately 12 miles out on a heading of 207 degrees toward midfield. As I approached the field in a decent; I was instructed to report midfield on a right downwind for 03. From my position I turned to approximately 130 degrees to position for a right downwind for Runway 03. I was north of MHK and would cross the runway approximately 5 miles off the east end of 21-03. While scanning toward the field; checking for any traffic and scanning ahead of me I observed a Cessna coming head-on. I diverted to the left and after I started my diversion the approaching plane diverted to his left. The planes passed approximately 100 FT apart. After being contacted by KC Center operations; I was informed that the Cessna was talking to Center and I was talking to MHK Tower. There was no communication on the Tower frequency from the Cessna. I was not aware of his presence in the area. I believe that if the Cessna was in communications with the local airport that I would have known that he was there and the tower would have advised me of the traffic. I think that if I had been using Center for flight following; they would have made me aware of the traffic. If the Cessna was with the Center; he should have been notified that I was in the vicinity.
PA28 pilot arriving MHK reports a NMAC with a Cessna departing the area. The Tower made no notification to either pilot.