Skylane 182/RG Turbo Skylane/RG
Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 8; Flight Crew Total 578; Flight Crew Type 211
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Human Factors
I was enroute to KSQL IFR on a VMC day. I was located at approximately the SNS 335 degree radial at 15NM level at 6;000 feet. I was talking with Oakland center on 128.7 and was given a handoff to NORCAL approach on 124.52. Just after hearing and acknowledging the handoff I noticed two aircraft ahead of me and slightly to my right at my altitude and flying in the opposite direction converging at a very high rate of speed. They were both banking to their left such that one passed to my left and the other to my right each at a distance of about 50-100 feet from me. I was afraid to bank in either direction; and did not climb or descend as I had no idea what either one of them would do- I flew straight and watched them pass to either side of me. They both appeared to be vintage Yaks (maybe 52's) with the one to my left having overall green paint and a red star. I called back to Oakland center and reported the incident- center said they showed a single primary target near my location at about my 11 o'clock position- I explained what I saw and was asked for details- I reported to center what I am reporting here and they thanked me and that was that.
A Cessna pilot reported a near-mid-air-collision with two VFR aircraft while on an IFR flight plan. Neither ATC Center nor TRACON advised the pilot of traffic; and when questioned; reported only a single primary target in the area.