SR20
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 35; Flight Crew Total 230; Flight Crew Type 110
Communication Breakdown
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure; Human Factors
I was carrying out a visual approach in VFR conditions. I made a standard 45 degree entry to the downwind leg of the standard traffic pattern at pattern altitude; making left traffic for Runway XX; and announcing every turn and transition on the CTAF; according to standard practice. While on short final at approximately 500 feet AGL; another aircraft suddenly appeared in front and above me; cutting me off from behind and above without warning. Simultaneously; another pilot (who turned out to be holding short of the runway) called out; 'aircraft on short final; go around!' I took immediate evasive action to the right; entered the upwind leg; and went around for another approach; which ended uneventfully. I caught up with the pilot of the other aircraft at the fuel station; he was being admonished by the airport manager. He apologized; but said he had never seen me and had neither made nor heard traffic announcements because he lacked a working radio in his aircraft. He also said that due to the age of his aircraft he likes to stay above standard pattern altitude and to make a very short base turn to final to stay close to the runway in the event of engine failure. Compounding this was the considerable height of his cockpit; and its location approximately over the wings; which severely restricted his downward field of vision. Because he was operating high in the pattern; he could not see traffic below him; and turning his wing high for the base turn also obscured any view of other traffic on final. Thankfully a collision was avoided due to my evasive maneuvering. I understand that it may not be a violation of the regulations; but I do not think it is wise or safe to fly at an untowered field without at least monitoring other traffic on the CTAF; and I urge the FAA at a minimum to make monitoring the CTAF a requirement for landing at an untowered field. I also think it is important that all aircraft; regardless of their age or condition; should stick to standard operating procedures and pattern altitude; especially at an untowered field.
SR20 pilot reported a NMAC with an unannounced aircraft at a non-towered airport.