Lancair Evolution
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 6000; Flight Crew Type 550
Workload; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Procedure; Human Factors; Airspace Structure
On an IFR approach in VMC conditions; I was being vectored to the Sound Visual RWY 34 at HPN. I had been told that I was #4 for approach. A Bonanza was also approaching VFR along the shoreline from the East. I had not been warned of any traffic or impending conflict by NY Approach. All of a sudden the approach controller told the Bonanza to stop its descent; and instructed me to descend from 3000 to 2000 and turn right to 270 from my 180 heading. Even then I was not given any indication of a possible mid-air. I immediately started my turn and descent and saw the Bonanza pass right in front of me at perhaps 100-200 distance. Once settled at the new heading and altitude; I told the controller that I had come very close to the Bonanza. He replied that if I had descended faster; it would not have been a problem. The frequency was very busy; as was I preparing to land at HPN; so I did not comment on his lack of any conflict warning. I believe that the controller was overloaded; and failed to give proper warning of an impending conflict. I also believe that he improperly allowed a VFR aircraft into Class B airspace in a fashion that conflicted with IFR aircraft setting up for a published approach. I fly regularly into HPN. This sunny Sunday was the busiest by twice that I have seen.
Lancair pilot reports a NMAC with a Bonanza while flying the sound Visual to RWY 34 at HPN at 3000 feet. ATC issued instructions to the two aircraft to avoid a collision but they came too late to have much effect. The Lancair pilot; on an IFR flight plan had accepted the Sound Visual and the Bonanza pilot was VFR. See and avoid.