Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Rotorcraft
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 130; Flight Crew Total 8040; Flight Crew Type 500
Conflict NMAC; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Weather; Airspace Structure
[I] departed with reported weather of 900 overcast 10 miles visibility. By the south field boundary the ceiling was jagged 500-600. The visibility was about 6 miles. I proceeded southeast bound at 500 FT until I reached the Calcasieu River then proceeded southbound along the river. I announced my position and intentions southbound along the river on the Cameron CTAF 123.05 at 15 miles; 10 miles; & 5 miles. My aircraft was equipped with a Mode S transponder and TIS (Traffic Information Service) and fortunately I was in the TIS service area and noted an aircraft several miles to my east at my altitude converging on a south-southwest course. I slowed my speed to allow it to get ahead of me. Because I had slowed my speed the TIS was not considering the target a collision hazard. About 5 miles north of Cameron without having responded to any of my traffic advisory calls on CTAF the target suddenly became a Traffic Alert on the TIS. I immediately descended 250 FT assuming the target had turned into me. A few moments later a yellow helicopter in the midst of a right turn passed my left side about 150 yards away and about 150 FT above. After the helicopter passed I returned to 500 FT MSL and continued southbound another mile until I reached the lowered ceilings that precipitated the yellow helicopter's course reversal. I too reversed course and returned to base. I checked with people at the FBO to ask if they heard my traffic advisory calls on the CTAF. They said they heard my calls which confirmed my radio transmitter was working.
Helicopter pilot reports a NMAC with another helicopter while attempting to fly near LA78 beneath a low ceiling. TIS aboard the reporters helicopter was instrumental in avoiding the NMAC.