Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Student
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 11.6; Flight Crew Total 11.6; Flight Crew Type 11.6
Distraction; Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors; Airport; Environment - Non Weather Related
Student and Instructor practicing touch and go's on Runway 03 at MGJ. On departure leg; climb was established at 80 MPH; heading 30 degrees. Pattern for Runway 03 is left and calls for left turn to crosswind at 1;000 FT MSL. At approximately 800 FT MSL; a Piper PA24 passed approximately 100 FT to our right at the same altitude as our aircraft; headed straight in for Runway 21. After turning crosswind; we could see the aircraft land on Runway 21 (opposite the traffic flow). We heard no calls from this aircraft on CTAF prior to the encounter and were unable to make radio contact. While on downwind; my Instructor observed the aircraft taxiing the wrong way on a one-way taxiway; toward the hangars/refueling point. Approximately fifteen minutes later (while we were still in the pattern); the aircraft departed Runway 03. This time; the pilot did transmit on CTAF for a straight out departure. After takeoff; upon leaving the runway heading; the aircraft turned right (against the pattern); instead of left; as prescribed. Operations personnel identified the aircraft and said that this aircraft was a former tenant at MGJ. I am not aware of any violation committed by me or by my Instructor during this incident; but am reporting it as I think numerous violations were committed by the pilot of the other aircraft.
An PA-24 pilot entered the CTAF MGJ Runway 3 active traffic pattern incorrectly and created a near miss with a Student and his Instructor before landing opposite traffic direction on Runway 21.