PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 200; Flight Crew Type 10
Conflict NMAC
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Airspace Structure
While on approach to JYO; I (pilot flying) was monitoring the CTAF and regularly reporting my position northwest of the airport as well as my intention to enter the traffic pattern. I was accompanied by another pilot (not flying). I heard the pilot of a Cirrus report his straight in approach for Runway 17 followed by an aircraft on the ground query his IFR status. The pilot on the ground expressed his agitation with the pilot of the Cirrus because he had been forced to wait for his IFR departure clearance until the Cirrus pilot cancelled IFR. After a short exchange between the two other pilots; the pilot of the Cirrus reported short final and no other CTAF calls were made by either pilot until the Cirrus reported clear of the runway.At this point I was 2 miles northwest of the airport on a 45 degree course relative to Runway 17 to join the 17 upwind and execute a left traffic pattern. I was distracted with the before landing checklist when a TCAS alert warned me of traffic and the pilot not flying called my attention to an oncoming twin engine turboprop on a reciprocal course climbing 200-300 FT above. We proceeded and landed without further incident. Neither myself nor the pilot not flying heard a departure announcement on the CTAF from the turboprop; and we were unaware of its position until the TCAS alert. I had reported my position relative to the field less than a minute prior to the incident.
PA28R pilot reported NMAC on approach to JYO airport.