Bonanza 35
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 5.5; Flight Crew Total 4900; Flight Crew Type 3700
Conflict NMAC
General None Reported / Taken
Airspace Structure; Human Factors
Hot Spring airport conducted an open house. There were several visiting aircraft of various types; helicopters and displays. Horse races were going on at the race track in Hot Springs. Our local pilot club offered flights to young members. There was no overall pilot briefing. Our club pilots briefed each other as to the typical flight route over common sites around the area along a 5 mile border of the airport. Winds favored Runway 23 and was the accepted choice. The typical club pilot route was to take Runway 23 climb straight out to 1;100 FT MSL or higher (HOT is 540 FT MSL); which is over Lake Hamilton (not over residences); start a left climbing turn to 180 degrees continue climb toward the 5 mile south end of Lake Hamilton; then turn east continuing climb to 2;000 FT MSL. Then continue east to Carpenter Dam (still out the 5 mile border); then turn north to Magic Springs amusement park starting a descent to 1;500 FT MSL; turning left to 230 degrees commencing a 5 mile straight in final to Runway 23. Local landing traffic would be well inside that routing. Position announcements were made over each fix on CTAF. On my third trip I announced 5 miles south over Lake Hamilton turning east climbing to 2;000 FT MSL passing through 1;500 FT MSL. An aircraft (unknown type) responded 'Yes; you just flew 200 FT below me!' I have to assume he was above and behind me. I never saw him nor had any notice of his inbound status. Since I was east bound I did not see him on the downwind leg. Assumption is he was on a 45 degree downwind entry for Runway 23 and descending to 1;500 FT MSL pattern altitude. The pattern was quite active with various aircraft making multiple announcements. The flight continued without incident. I do not believe I committed any violation. Any action on my part was inadvertent and not deliberate.
BE35 pilot is informed of a NMAC by the other aircraft involved while climbing to 2;000 FT 5 miles south of HOT. The other aircraft was never sighted by the reporter.