J3 Cub
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 12; Flight Crew Total 610; Flight Crew Type 102
Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
I was enroute. TFRs plus northwesterly direction of fumes from the SBA area necessitated I take a route south of and circumnavigating Santa Barbara's lower Class C airspace (flying NORDO); and from there proceeded towards Santa Paula Airport as a checkpoint enroute. Once cleared of the lateral boundaries of SBA's Class C; I eventually climbed to 3;000 feet for terrain clearance enroute.As I approached HENER intersection already in cruise; light-moderate turbulence was encountered due to the ridge in the area; at which point I initially turned right about 30 degrees to cross a ridge at about a 45-degree angle; but saw the ridge was slightly V shaped or curved so I turned left to effect the 45-degree track over the ridge. By the time I had leveled out; I immediately saw what looked like a Piper Lancer off my 1 or 2 o'clock position just off the nose of the Cub; about less than half mile away and climbing and in a head on course; so I immediately took evasive action and turned to the right to prevent a midair collision. I did not see the other aircraft take any evasive maneuvers; and do not know if they were aware of a pending collision. We missed each other by less than 100 feet. I assume the other aircraft was on climb out and following V27-485. I do not know if the Piper was on an IFR route; being vectored by ATC; or navigating on their own.The Cub is not equipped with a transponder; and I do not know if the Cub shows up on the radar. I notice that for the flight in the Cub from Santa Barbara to the nearest non-towered airport; Santa Paula is a natural preferred choice for a checkpoint or alternate airport traveling southeast; and see that it crosses airway V27-485 at about HENER. I intend in the future to avoid the intersection; although that may not prevent a potential collision in the area. I believe it is important to provide this report to at least make one aware of this NMAC and a potential hazard.
Piper Cub pilot reported taking evasive action to avoid a mid-air collision with another light aircraft in the vicinity of HENER Intersection.