Pitts S-2 All Series
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 1530; Flight Crew Type 30
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airport; Procedure
During traffic pattern and landing practice in the first flight of a recently purchased aircraft; the PIC entered an incorrect CTAF frequency in the radio; resulting in a conflict with another landing aircraft. The type aircraft was a high-performance aerobatic biplane with very poor forward visibility; a high approach speed and poor glide performance; which necessitates using the turbine traffic pattern altitude (1500 AGL) and a steeper than typical; slipping descent on final approach. The PIC made numerous position reports and standard traffic pattern legs at the turbine aircraft TPA of 1500 AGL; but given the incorrect CTAF frequency these reports were unheard by another aircraft operating in the pattern (a Cirrus SR22). On a 1 mile final approach; the PIC of the Pitts S2B saw the Cirrus SR22 at approximately 100 feet in front and 40 feet below his glidepath making an evasive turn to the right. The S2B PIC made immediate deviation to the left; and circled away from the pattern; climbing to 3000 AGL to double check the radio frequency. The correct CTAF frequency was entered and communications with the SR22 pilot were established. The pilots discussed the near-miss over the radio; and no further conflicts occurred. The flight was terminated normally after 3 more traffic patterns and landings.
Pitts S-2 Pilot reported taking evasive action to avoid a collision with another aircraft.