Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 167; Flight Crew Total 30190; Flight Crew Type 9425
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airspace Structure; Procedure; Human Factors
While switching to MRI Tower. After receiving VFR traffic advisories from Approach Control and being asked to contact MRI Tower. I was within 1/2 mile of Merrill Field when I encountered a single engine seaplane at 1-2 o'clock about a 1/4 mile; passing from my right to left. As we were closing in on each other; I made a slight descending turn as the other aircraft was climbing. It was apparent that we would miss each other and I had already begun slowing for approach to the MRI airport. I passed below and behind the other aircraft. I was surprised that neither Approach Control; nor MRI Tower mentioned the other aircraft at all. The other aircraft was likely talking to LHD Tower; and we met at the boundaries of the area where ATC normally switches us to Tower or Approach. I had an operating TCAS system and it neither depicted a hit nor gave an audible warning. The other aircraft probably did not have a transponder on; or it was inoperative. Although my TCAS couldn't pick up a primary oncy target; I'm certain Approach can. We were scarcely 5 miles from both MRI and LHD where the near hit occurred. I was also operating pulsing LED recognition lights as well as two beacons. The sun was directly behind me; as I was flying east and the other aircraft northwest. Wind at my quartering tail at about 20 KTS. If the other aircraft would have had an operating transponder; I would have received both an audible and visual alert on my G600 synthetic vision display. Moral of the story: vigilance is still important when you believe others are looking out for you!
The pilot of an airtaxi twin experienced an NMAC with a float plane in the airspace interface between Merrill Field and Lake Hood near ANC.