PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 12; Flight Crew Total 803; Flight Crew Type 35.6
Communication Breakdown
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airspace Structure; Human Factors; Procedure
I was on a 45 degree entry for landing on Runway 15 at FLY. I announced my position on CTAF south and east of the airport at 5 NM and then again as I entered the 45 degree entry to a left downwind for landing. A bonanza reported on CTAF that he was departing runway 15 and then announced turning eastbound. I took evasive action to quickly descend 200 - 300 feet as we were head on. The bonanza was climbing and passed directly over me and we missed by no more than 100 ft. I attempted to contact the bonanza after the near miss on CTAF but he did not respond. FLY is very near to COS Class C airspace; a notch is cutout so that aircraft arriving and departing do not have to contact Springs Approach. Most aircraft departing the FLY traffic pattern do contact Springs Approach for flight following; pick up clearances; etc. I suspect what happened was the Bonanza switched frequencies immediately upon departure and contacted Springs Approach for a clearance. In doing so he was not on CTAF when I made my announcement of a 45 degree entry to downwind.FLY can be very busy and I believe aircraft arriving or departing; not remaining in the pattern; should be required to contact Springs Approach. Basically put the Class C floor over FLY and install a procedure to resolve potential conflicts.
PA28 pilot entering the traffic pattern for Runway 15 at FLY experiences a NMAC with a Bonanza departing Runway 15 and turning east. A head on situation develops with the PA28 pilot diving under the Bonanza to avoid collision.