Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 35; Flight Crew Total 310; Flight Crew Type 285
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Distraction; Training / Qualification
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
While maneuvering near ZZZ airport; another aircraft was on a similar flight in the same general vicinity. My instructor and I made at least six radio calls to the other aircraft by its tail number to attempt to determine its intentions; but received no response to any of them. Said aircraft did make occasional radio calls; but they did not reflect its actual flight path or maneuvering intentions. On two occasions; the aircraft maneuvered directly into our immediate vicinity; although we were able to remain clear of it in the course of our maneuvering. On the third instance; we had announced our intention to follow the other aircraft as we were both returning to ZZZ airport. We had maneuvered well outside of the traffic pattern because of other traffic in the area; continuing to follow the other aircraft. Said aircraft then announced a right turn to increase its clearance from us and other traffic; but instead initiated a descending left turn directly into our path of flight. At this point we were approximately 1;000 feet; and were forced to initiate an evasive descent of about 350 feet. We estimate the lateral distance between our aircraft and the other to be approximately 150 feet; as its registration was clearly legible. Prior to these events; our aircraft was on a short final approach as part of a practice landing; at which point the other aircraft in question cut in front of us to take off. We had announced our position and the other aircraft had responded that it was holding short of the runway; but did not do so. Throughout the duration of our flight; the aircraft in question appeared to operate without regard for us or other aircraft in its vicinity; and had we not taken the evasive action that we did; a collision would have been highly likely.
A student pilot training at an uncontrolled airport reported a NMAC with another aircraft that turned left after announcing it would turn right. The student reported the same aircraft had repeatedly maneuvered near them in different directions then announced including taking the runway to takeoff after stating they would hold short.