Light Sport Aircraft
Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 5000; Flight Crew Type 50
Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach
Human Factors
On my way home my right door popped open. I tried to close it; but could not. There was some tail buffet and I slowed down to try and relieve that. I was near [an] airport and decided to land to close door. There were two other aircraft in or near the pattern. I announced I was entering the pattern to land and it appeared that I was number three. I looked in vain for the aircraft that was ahead of me; but I could not make a visual! I saw the number 1 aircraft turn base -- but still could not see the aircraft in front of me! I heard the number 2 aircraft announce turning base and still no visual! I flew a long down wind then announced I was turning base -- I still did not have a visual of the number 2 aircraft. I was somewhat high and had a steep approach and still could not see the number 2 aircraft (a Cessna 140). When I started to flair a voice on the radio said; 'low wing pull up your going to crash!' I did immediately -- I still did not see the number 2 aircraft. I was somewhat shaken and decided to continue on my way to home base; where I landed. It was not until today that the owner of the Cessna 140 contacted me and told me how very close the near miss was! At no time did I have a visual of the number 2 aircraft (Cessna 140). I did see the number 1 aircraft; also a Cessna; turn base. All aircraft in the pattern in radio contact. I believe at one point I asked the number 2 aircraft his position; but still could not get a visual. This near miss was from reports very close! I did not see it! I am forever grateful to the person on the ground -- who used his head and radio and helped avert a catastrophe! How could this have been avoided? I should have gone around when I did not see a visual! I should not have assumed that I had enough space from the preceding aircraft. The fault was mine entirely.
LSA pilot reports an NMAC with a C140 on very short final. The potential collision is detected by a pilot on the ground who calls for the reporter to go-around.