Small Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turboprop Eng
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 750; Flight Crew Type 15
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airport; Airspace Structure; Human Factors; Procedure
Departing out of EYE; we filed for the Hoosier 4 departure then to ZZZ1. We had tried calling ATC to pick up IFR clearance on the ramp but were unable to establish communication. We decided to depart VFR and pick up our clearance before entering the class C airspace. While departing Runway 03 we heard a radio call on the common traffic frequency saying that an airplane was on the localizer for Runway 21. The captain made a decision to take evasive action after we saw the plane on our instruments and confirmed visually. We were still not able to communicate with approach until we had already penetrated the overlying class C airspace during the avoidance maneuver. When we made contact with ATC; they told us about possible deviation and provided us a number. My captain contacted them and was informed that radar did show a light airplane in our path and that they could see why we took the action.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
Turboprop flight crew reported departing EYE VFR due to not being able to contact ATC for an IFR clearance. During departure the aircraft encountered opposing traffic requiring an evasive maneuver into Class C airspace.