RV-6
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 45; Flight Crew Total 2900; Flight Crew Type 750
Communication Breakdown
Conflict NMAC
General None Reported / Taken
Airspace Structure; Procedure; Human Factors
I was handed off from McGuire Air Force Base when using flight following on a routine flight to 26N. ACY Approach acknowledged the handoff and stated the barometric setting. I received no other communication from Approach during my transition through the airspace to the west of ACY. Another aircraft was communicating on the same frequency and also expressing an intention to land at 26N - Ocean City NJ. ACY Approach issued a number of instructions to the other aircraft - 'turn to 130 degrees.' Twenty seconds after that ATC issued an instruction to 'turn right 270 degrees.' I heard two voices communicating in the second aircraft and there was apparent confusion about what they were doing. My heading was south at 2;200 FT clear of clouds and in sight of ACY; one mile to my east. A movement caught my eye to the west coming out of the sunlit clouds. A low wing aircraft - probably a Piper - was observed heading toward me about 50 yards to my right in a hard bank to the left. The aircraft passed close behind me at about the same altitude. Upon my expletive to ATC the other aircraft responded 'We saw him.' ATC offered no commentary other than that I was clear to descend to 26N. I heard no other discussion with the other aircraft; monitoring the frequency for another minute before changing to the local CTAF. I have no idea what I could have done as there was virtually no time to react to an aircraft in such close proximity banking toward me. The pilot of the other aircraft appeared to have completely disregarded ATC instructions.
RV6 pilot reports an NMAC approaching Ocean City at 2;200 FT with a low wing aircraft. The other aircraft took evasive action and both aircraft were on ACY Approach.