Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 1275; Flight Crew Type 1000
Communication Breakdown
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airport; Human Factors
I announced my departure from a remote airport on CTAF; stating Runway 07 and departing to the east. I then took off and maintained runway heading as I climbed out. There is a VOR near the river on this heading approximately 3 miles east of the airport. At about 1;500 MSL approaching the VOR I had just changed over to the 'common' frequency along the river when I noticed a Commercial Air Carrier twin in front and slightly below; heading directly at me. I turned slightly to the right and increased pitch slightly from climb so I could maintain visual contact with the approaching aircraft. It passed close enough that I could clearly see the pilots. The aircraft did not appear to take any evasive measures and continued on its straight descending attitude.First; I expect the traffic was on an IFR flight plan and the pilots may not have heard me announce my taxi or departure calls (same 123.0 frequency) from the airport. I think they were monitoring or contacting Center announcing their arrival and therefore not monitoring the airport frequency. There is very limited cell phone coverage at this remote airfield and it is possible they were using their radios while still in contact with Center to close their flight plan. Second; because the winds were calm; the aircraft was making a direct approach to Runway 25 as I was making a direct departure from Runway 07 (same runway; opposite direction). Third; I was approaching the VOR and near the river and I may have changed frequencies too soon. I heard no response or other traffic at anytime from taxi to departure so I did not expect other aircraft in the airport area during my departure. To prevent a repeat of this incident I will not maintain runway heading for so long after departure. I will fly an off-set heading ensuring I am not flying towards an aircraft making a straight in approach. Also; I would strongly encourage airport information to direct arriving aircraft to remain north of the river and departing aircraft to fly south of the river. Lastly; I will be extra aware when flying near a VOR and will better monitor two frequencies when appropriate.
A C-172 departing a remote airfield suffered an NMAC with a commercial fixed wing aircraft inbound; opposite direction to the same runway.