Uncontrolled Wind Conditions at Non-Towered Airfield Cause Runway Mishap

Uncontrolled Wind Conditions at Non-Towered Airfield Cause Runway Mishap

Landing in a Pickle: A Close Call and Lessons Learned

You ever found yourself dangling over a runway, with another plane gunning her engines on the opposite end? Here's how we narrowly avoided a head-on collision.

Oopsies Galore - The Blunders

Read on to check out the NASA ASRS report that breaks down the mishap...

I was gracing my descent towards Runway 12 at MLE, with a gentle breeze nonexistent. The stated preference was Runway 12 for those tranquil days. Approaching the 500 ft mark, a fellow aviator hailed from the Unicom, planning to set off from Runway 30 (opposite of our landing strip). I hollered a warning over the speakers, but he wouldn't budge. I touched down, and there he was beginning his takeoff roll. I gave him another shout, but still, no response. I'd switched on my landing beacon from afar, a practice I'm fond of. I blinked it a few times, hoping it'd pique his interest.

With everything on the line, I continued my landing rollout. If the other pilot didn't stop, I was ready to dart onto the grass. Just as I neared the taxiway escape route, he began to slow down. He parked on the runway as I skipped onto the taxiway.

Lucky us, no disaster, no damage, but boy, my heart skipped a beat. Besides my radio communications apparently failing to grab his attention, he should've eyeballed the runway for any other traffic.

What Runway? Which Way?

If you're venturing into a non-towered base, there might be a preferred runway for calm winds. Pore over the manuals, consult your local FBO or UNICOM operator to know the scoop.

Tune into the CTAF frequency as you approach your destination. That'll give you a gist of which runway others are using.

Multiple Runways - Oh Joy!

Don't be surprised if some non-towered airports boast multiple runways intersecting. During calm wind conditions, be extra observant at intersections, where the risk for traffic hubbub increases. You might struggle to pinpoint other aircraft on the ground, particularly if you can't see the ends of other runways.

ForeFlight## Stumped? Clarify Away!

Strike up a conversation with other pilots when there's uncertainty. If you're lacking clarity, simply ask.

And if there's someone on the ground to deliver traffic info like a UNICOM operator, tap that fresh knowledge.

In Doubt, Dither or Go-Around

If you're uncertain about which runway to use, or unsure about other traffic, hesitate or go-around. A few more moments of your time are worth their weight in gold to dodge situations like the one mentioned above.

Ever had a traffic mix-up like this? How do you navigate calm wind conditions? Sound off in the comments below.

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1. In the midst of descending towards Runway 12 at MLE, another aircraft announced its intention to take off from Runway 30, the opposite end.
2. The NASA ASRS report reveals that the close call occurred when two aircraft were on opposing runways, one preparing for landing and the other for takeoff.
3. As I approached the 500 ft mark, I warned the pilot over the speakers about our close proximity, but he showed no signs of stopping.
4. I found myself in a critical situation, with the other aircraft starting its takeoff roll as I touched down.
5. In non-towered bases, favored runways for calm winds should be consulted by pilots before landing.
6. If a base doesn't have a control tower, it's wise to tune into the CTAF frequency to learn which runways other aircraft are using.
7. When faced with multiple runways intersecting at a non-towered airport, pilots should be vigilant during calm wind conditions, especially at intersections where traffic is most likely to congest.
8. To clarify any uncertain situations, pilots can communicate with each other or consult local FBO or UNICOM operators for traffic information.
9. In situations where doubt arises about which runway to use or traffic patterns, hesitation or a go-around is recommended to ensure safety.

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