Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 100; Flight Crew Total 9200; Flight Crew Type 15
Time Pressure
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Human Factors
I was a CFI giving instruction to a first-time tailwheel student in a Aircraft X. The Aircraft X [vintage aircraft] primary trainer that lacks an electrical system and therefore has no radios with which to communicate with other aircraft. The only electronic equipment onboard is a 406 ELT and a battery powered intercom to allow communication between instructor and student. We had finished the airwork/aircraft familiarization portion of our flight and had returned to the traffic pattern for takeoff and landing practice. We operate out of ZZZ; [local city]; just north of downtown. ZZZ is a busy GA airport with heavy flight school traffic; helicopter traffic; and [vintage aircraft] traffic in the form of [vintage military]; aerobatic; and vintage aircraft. The local flight school is well aware of our [aircraft type] operation and it always extra vigilant of possible NORDO traffic because we operate regularly. Worth noting is that Runway XX [north] utilizes a left-traffic pattern while Runway XX [south] uses right-traffic. This is due to obstacles east of the airport and to keep all traffic over the river rather than over the city. The weather at the time of the incident was good VFR; nearly unlimited visibility with northeast wind of 5-10 kts. The windsock unmistakably favored Runway XX [north] all day and was consistent. I had been at the airport since late morning and everyone had been using Runway XX [north] all day. When in the pattern and scanning for traffic; I noted that we were the only aircraft in the area; but a flight school aircraft was taxiing out for departure on Runway XX [north]. On approach to our first landing; I noticed the Aircraft Y holding short and appeared to be waiting for us to land. After we crossed the threshold; the Cessna taxied into position to depart. After our touch and go and on the upwind leg; my student exclaimed 'dude what's that?' I leaned around him (I was in the rear seat) to see an airplane filling our windshield. I quickly took control and aggressively turned into the downwind. While in the turn; I observed an Aircraft Z pass behind us on final to Runway XX [south]. I estimate the horizontal separation to be 1000 feet or less and vertical separation to be less than 50 feet. Once in the downwind; I observed the Aircraft Z that had taxied into position behind us execute an emergency turn off the Runway; presumably as surprised as I was to see an airplane landing on the opposing Runway with a very obvious tailwind.From the downwind; I witnessed Aircraft Z land and clear the Runway. The Cessna was still holding short; so I executed a short approach and put the Aircraft X on the ground as quickly as possible; student and self very shaken. I taxied to parking in front of the hangar and shut down. I noticed the Aircraft Z pilot was walking toward us; presumably to apologize. Instead; he verbally accused my student and me of causing a dangerous situation by not having a radio. I reminded him of the windsock and weather conditions which clearly favor Runway XX [north] to which he replied that he got his weather report from 'Center' and they told him winds were calm. He then informed me that he made several radio calls; including 'left downwind; left base; and final for XX [south]'. I reminded him that Runway XX [south] utilizes a right traffic pattern; so nobody would be looking for him on the east side of the airport. After a short discussion with the instructor in the aircraft involved; he never heard any radio calls from the offending Aircraft Z other than his last call that he was clearing Runway XX [south]. His account of the entire incident was identical to mine; as we discussed it with the event still very fresh in our minds. He has offered to provide a written statement as well.I am 100% confident that we did nothing wrong nor did we violate any FAR's. I am submitting this report purely for the need for such a close call to be documented and hopefully learned from in the future. The negligence of an irresponsible pilot nearly caused a mid-air collision; and did cause a Runway incursion. If it were up to me; some serious remedial training would be required for the offending pilot to continue to use his privileges as a pilot. Everyone makes mistakes or misses a 'RP' [right-hand pattern] note on a sectional chart from time to time; but when that minor error almost gets people killed; something should be done. His defensive and rude 'I didn't do anything wrong; its your fault for not hearing me' attitude certainly didn't indicate to me that he realized the seriousness of his actions. I sincerely hope this report can be of use to others in the future and a harsh reminder to us all of the unforgiving nature of flying at an uncontrolled field.
Vintage aircraft Instructor reported an NMAC event during landing pattern training with Aircraft Z erroneously landing opposite runway in use. Aircraft Z also cause a critical ground conflict with Aircraft Y.