Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 450
Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
Airport Operations witnessed this event from the ground. A C172 took off to remain in the right closed traffic pattern from Runway XX. Next to take off was a Mooney M20. As the C172 was partway through their crosswind; the M20 turned a very early right crosswind with the intention to depart to the east. In doing so; the M20 cut inside the pattern. The C172 turned right downwind and was now on a perpendicular collision course with the Mooney. The M20 passed in front of and slightly below the C172.Immediately after this near miss; Tower queried the M20 if they were aware of the local departure procedures. The M20 replied 'not really' - they were a transient aircraft. Tower clarified that the ZZZ departure that they were shooting was to be flown via runway heading until past the diamond-shaped waterway; then turning east. This M20 turned before the waterway; producing a very early crosswind turn.Here's a friendly reminder to GA pilots to familiarize themselves with local approach and departure procedures when flying out of unfamiliar airports.
Airport operations personnel reported witnessing a near mid-air collision between two small aircraft when one turned an early crosswind inside an aircraft that was on downwind leg.