DA40 Diamond Star
Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 580; Flight Crew Type 550
Communication Breakdown
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
Reporter experienced near miss with Aircraft 2 while landing at E38. [I] cancelled IFR flight plan 15 miles out; repeatedly reported via Unicom and sequenced arrival after one other reporting aircraft which landed E38 Rwy 23 shortly prior to our arrival. On short final to Rwy 23; again announced at 1 mile; saw Aircraft 2 in takeoff roll opposite direction Rwy23 (Rwy 5). [I] immediately executed missed approach; diverting to right. Aircraft 2 diverted to right as well and continued takeoff. Aircraft 2 was departing downwind in opposite direction of runway in use. Density altitude was 6500 ft. Aircraft 2 made no Unicom announcement. [My] Unicom announcements confirmed heard by several other aircraft; as well as airport attendant/manager. Shortly after near miss Aircraft 2 came on Unicom and asserted he had made calls. Airport attendant/manager and another aircraft preparing to depart E38 confirmed no calls by Aircraft 2. Reporter suspects Aircraft 2 pilot either failed to make calls on Unicom or had radio on wrong frequency. No idea why Aircraft 2 would use downwind orientation for takeoff; slope of Rwy is minimal and obstructions not determinative issue. Especially in light of other landing and departing aircraft on the field at time of Aircraft 2 taking the runway.
Despite multiple routine CTAF position reports while inbound the pilot of a DA-40 suffered an NMAC with a C-310 departing opposite direction from the airport's single runway. Post event alleged CTAF transmissions by the other pilot were not heard by the reporter or others monitoring the CTAF frequency.