Bonanza 35
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 7; Flight Crew Total 775; Flight Crew Type 222
Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
I was maneuvering near an airport to enter the pattern for Runway 30 when I had a near miss with another aircraft also entering the pattern. I had been on VFR flight following through Class Charlie. ATC approved me to squawk VFR and change frequencies in an unusual location (just after I exited the Class Charlie; about 3.5 NM final and 1;900 ft AGL; I think they had previously kept me high to avoid wake turbulence). I circled away from the airport while descending slowly so I could turn toward the airport about 5 NM out at pattern altitude and be on a 45 to the downwind. I changed to CTAF and announced my position (I think I said I was descending and 3 NM southeast) and then heard another aircraft announce (I think he said he was descending and 5 NM south). I had been monitoring CTAF but hadn't heard the plane make any calls; and ATC hadn't mentioned it. The other aircraft asked me if I was straight in for 30; I said no. I thought I saw him; and I had him on TCAS (I have mode S displayed on a GNS 530W) about 5 NM in front of me heading directly across my path towards the airport. I assumed he would continue on that path and enter a downwind at about 1 NM parallel to the runway; which would have given us plenty of clearance from each other. I looked away to adjust power; etc.; when I looked back; I had lost him; and my TCAS then said he was 2-3 NM in front of me; to my right but on an intercept; and about 500 ft above and descending (I think this would have put him 500 ft above pattern on a downwind about 4 NM out from the runway). He then called that he was on a downwind 4 NM out. I couldn't believe it and just stared at the screen for a moment; then frantically started looking for him; TCAS alarmed again; and then I turned sharply left and called; 'Traffic; please climb; I'm trying to get out of your way; but you're heading straight at me.' He didn't answer and almost immediately passed over me at 200 ft above (according to TCAS; I didn't see him at this point).I think my main mistakes were assuming the other traffic would follow a particular pattern; and then not informing him immediately when I realized I'd lost him. I think his main mistakes were assuming that I would provide separation just because I said I saw him and would follow him in; and then flying a non-standard pattern. It didn't help that we both have fast planes (Bonanza and Cessna Corvalis) and that I was not in a good place to enter the pattern in a standard fashion. I was possibly also slower to react because I've flown much less than usual recently; and most of that has been quiet cross country rather than in busy airspace. Unfortunately; the other pilot landed and had left the airport while I went around the pattern and taxied in; so I didn't have a chance to talk to him and see if he realized what had happened. I did ask the FBO to give him my phone number so we can talk about it.
Bonanza 35 pilot reported a NMAC with another light aircraft in the pattern at MLE airport.