Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 188; Flight Crew Total 5870; Flight Crew Type 60
Situational Awareness
Conflict Airborne Conflict
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
I had just completed a touch-n-go and was established on a left downwind at a pattern altitude of 1;000 FT MSL. I and the other aircraft were both giving position reports on the CTAF. The other aircraft stated that they were practicing a simulated engine-out approach. I spotted the other aircraft above me on a left base; called them in sight; and then reported that I would extend my downwind to allow them spacing. The other aircraft stated that they were performing a touch-n-go. I do not believe that there were any other aircraft in the airport traffic pattern at that time. After the other aircraft was well past my left wing on final approach; I began my turn to a left base; slowed the aircraft to 70 KIAS; and began a gradual descent from the traffic pattern altitude. As I rolled out on the base leg; I lost sight of the other aircraft; which I believed to be well ahead of me on final at this time. I turned a square; base to final turn and slowed the aircraft to 60-70 KIAS. I did not see the other aircraft; and I assumed that they were already on their touch and go. I continued and landed without seeing the other aircraft. Upon rollout; the other aircraft called me on the radio and asked if I had seen him. I said no; and requested his position. He stated that I had almost hit him. I looked and saw (what I assumed) to be his aircraft. His aircraft was well beyond the other end of the runway; well above the airport; on what appeared to be a crosswind leg. As I rolled out on the runway; asked him to restate his position; and I told him that I don't think that I got anywhere close to him. The runway is almost 5;000 FT long; and I was at least that far away from him at this time. I continued to the midfield taxiway and taxied to the airport fuel pumps. Upon completion of refueling; an older gentleman came up to me and said that that was him in the other aircraft. He told me that he believed that I came too close to him on final; and that he had to go around. I told him that I did not see him on final; but I saw him on the downwind and on the crosswind; and I don't see how I ever got anywhere close to him. I don't see how it would be possible that I would have caught him on final approach. I was slowed to 60-70 KTS; looking outside; and I had given him plenty of space before I had made my base turn. Unless he was maneuvering his aircraft at low altitude away from the runway centerline; it is highly doubtful that I would have been able to catch up to him; especially without seeing him. In the future; I plan to make additional radio calls verifying the location of other aircraft when I lose sight of them.
A C172 pilot extended his downwind to allow the aircraft ahead to simulate an engine out gliding approach. Turning base well beyond the point at which the other aircraft turned base; the reporter lost sight of the traffic but continued the approach to landing. Upon rolling out the reporter was informed by the pilot of the other aircraft that he had to go around due to the close proximity of the reporter's aircraft on final.