Robinson R44
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 108; Flight Crew Total 414; Flight Crew Type 414
Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification
Conflict NMAC
General None Reported / Taken
Airspace Structure; Environment - Non Weather Related
Instrument training flight conducted at night in VMC. Student under the hood. Altitude is approximate we were descending; and my eyes were outside the cockpit. An instrument student and I...were not on an instrument practice approach but simply practicing aircraft control on the way back to ZZZ; while I provided headings for the student to follow. We had been in contact with Center for VFR flight following; but had just canceled flight following to contact CTAF for our full-stop landing. Before canceling flight following; Center informed us of two aircraft between our 11 and 1 o'clock. I reported both aircraft in sight; as I was able to spot them. Center then issued a general advisory that there were multiple targets around ZZZ. After the traffic reports; we switched to CTAF and I made a position report. One of the aircraft Center had given us was flying the opposite direction on our right; so I took controls (as the student was still under the hood); and started a left turn to give more space between us. This traffic was no factor. As I turned left; I saw an aircraft fly directly beneath us. Due to the lack of light it is difficult for me to say how far above the other aircraft we were. My best estimation is between 100-300 feet. We were heading southbound; the other aircraft was heading west-southwest. At this time we were approximately 4-5 miles north-northwest of ZZZ. Another airport is approximately 10 nm north of ZZZ; with a 5 nm radius Class D airspace. The aircraft we flew over attempted to contact us on CTAF moments later and according to them had just switched from tower to ZZZ CTAF. Traffic congestion near airspace boundaries-Fixation on the traffic in sight. What can be done: Continued attention brought to the need to see and avoid other traffic. Careful route consideration for entering and exiting airport environments. Maintaining vigilance.
An R44 instructor pilot and his student suffered an NMAC with another aircraft as they were approaching their non-towered destination at night.