PC-12
Flight Crew Commercial
Situational Awareness
Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
While landing on runway 22 at TPF; under VMC conditions; the flight crew observed a barge in the channel that crosses the short final of Runway 22. At the south end of the barge was a tall wheelhouse belonging to what appeared to be a tugboat pushing the barge. The left seat captain was Pilot Not Flying (PNF) and both pilots had a clear visual of the barge and determined it would not present a safety concern to the short final that the aircraft was on; with only a slight deviation from centerline alignment. Pilot flying (PF) altered course slightly to the north of runway 22 and returned to centerline after passing the barge safely. While passing the barge; the Captain observed the wheelhouse off the left wing and below the aircraft. Aircraft landed without apparent incident and taxied into the ramp and shutdown.A line service employee later informed the Captain that the FAA had called about 'missing an aircraft by 100 feet.' Being that there was no other aircraft in the pattern when the crew landed; it seemed like it was another plane. A short while later; the company called and conferenced in a representative from the Tampa Bay Area Coast Guard who advised the Captain that his aircraft had come within 100 feet of a vessel and had 'scared the [expletive] out of the pilot in the vessel's wheelhouse.' The Captain apologized for any confusion and maintained that the crew had visual contact on the barge and had maneuvered to avoid presenting a hazard to the barge and both crew had extensive knowledge of the boats and vessels that operate in the channel near runway 22. The Coast Guard representative appeared somewhat appeased with the explanation of the events given and reminded the Captain that boats had been hit by planes before; before ending the call.With the channel in such close proximity to the runway and it being the active runway; it would seem it would benefit all parties for vessels transitioning the water to monitor CTAF; and if the barge captain had been; there would have been communication that a Pilatus was landing; had them in sight; and would not present an issue despite the relative proximity of both vessels.
PC12 Captain reports deviating slightly to the right during a visual approach to Runway 22 at TPF; to avoid a tugboat pushing a barge in the channel. The tugboat Captain apparently filed complaint with the Coast Guard.