Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 15; Flight Crew Total 150; Flight Crew Type 43
Communication Breakdown
Conflict NMAC
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Procedure
We (R22B helicopter) approached Paine Field from downtown Everett to avoid over flying Port Gardener waters. We were given clearance to the intersection point of the coastline and the extended centerline of Runway 16L [8 NM final]. We reported 'coastline' and began our turn onto the approach path for [Runway] 16L. At about 1.5 miles out; Tower broadcast our position to a Cessna that was told to extend its downwind leg and fall in behind us as #3 for landing. At about 1 mile final to Runway 16L the position of #1 had not been reported by Tower; and we could not see #1 traffic ahead. Just as we decided to ask Tower for a position report for #1; #1 (Beech Bonanza) over flew us approximately 5 FT to the left and 25 FT above. Tower was contacted immediately; and we were diverted between the parallel runways; away from the fixed wing traffic. At this point we opted for a straight in landing to D2 Taxiway.A discussion with my instructor following the incident hit upon a couple of factors that may have contributed to the incident: First; during our approach; there was a change of controllers in the Tower. Secondly; neither of us remembered hearing a position report for #1; instead of hesitating; trying to 'see' #1; we should have made the position request as soon as we were identified as #2.
Student helicopter pilot with instructor on visual approach to PAE; reports a NMAC with a BE35 overtaking at 1.5 miles on final. The reporter had been apprised that he was number two for landing but the position of number one was not determined until the NMAC. A controller change occurred during the approach.