RV-6
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 15; Flight Crew Total 991; Flight Crew Type 230
Situational Awareness; Distraction
Conflict NMAC
Airspace Structure; Human Factors; Aircraft
While flying [a charity flight] I heard on the radio; 'Wow! That's a nice RV'. I suspected that I was close to another aircraft for that transmission to occur; however I could not locate one. After looking all around; I noticed the Taylorcraft also providing rides about a mile in trail of me and at the same altitude.I was surprised that it was at the same altitude because I was briefed that low-wing aircraft were to fly at 2000 feet and high-wing would fly at 2500 feet. When I got on the ground and after the Taylorcraft landed; I introduced myself to the pilot of the Taylorcraft and inquired about how close we were. The pilot said that I flew over the top of him. I was shocked because I expected that he was near 2500 feet. I told him that I was briefed that low-wings were to be at 2000 feet and high-wings were at 2500 feet. He replied; 'Yeah; but I can't get to 2500 in this'. I never saw the Taylorcraft and informed the pilot that I never saw him. He said 'That's scary!' I agreed.I was fairly upset with myself for not seeing the other aircraft and reflected on what could have distracted me. At the time I was pointing out to the [passenger] the instrument panel; specifically the altimeter and airspeed. However; I was still doing my traffic scan. I believe that this should be a learning event and I intend to brief this at our next [organization] meeting.
RV-6 pilot reported a near mid-air collision with another aircraft while on a charity flight.