Small Aircraft; High Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 7; Flight Crew Total 263; Flight Crew Type 124
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Runway
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
While flying into McClellan Field (KMCC) I was using the CTAF. I was unaware that the tower had been activated. I thought that the other planes in the area were not talking to me. I got no responses while broadcasting my positions and intentions as is my habit at non-towered airports. After fueling my plane I taxied back for takeoff. While climbing on downwind a call came out that the airplane that just took off was not talking. I was informed this morning that the tower had been activated. There is a strong possibility that I was on the wrong frequency. The flight to KMCC is [close] so I didn't check KMCC for weather. The only place that I have found the tower frequency is on the AWOS at KMCC. My [charts are] up to date and indicates only the CTAF frequency.
A local pilot did not check for NOTAMs and assumed that other aircraft were not using the CTAF frequency. He later discovered that a temporary tower had been opened due to heavy fire fighting activity in the area.