Incident Overview
On an unspecified date, two aircraft, N45945 and N2773U, were operating at an uncontrolled airport. Both pilots reported their positions on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) but did not receive replies, leading to a collision that went unnoticed until a later inspection.
Sequence of Events
The pilot of N45945 stated that while entering the downwind leg for Runway 32, she reported her position on the UNICOM frequency but received no reply. She continued her approach without reporting base and final positions. At approximately 500 feet on final approach, she felt the aircraft buffet and caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of her left eye. She continued the landing without further incident.
The pilot of N2773U stated that he called on frequency 122.8 before entering the traffic pattern. He inadvertently used the wrong UNICOM frequency and did not receive a reply. He proceeded to the airport, observed the windsock indicating Runway 32 was the best choice, entered the downwind leg, and reported his position—again on the wrong frequency. After turning final, he felt a bump in the aircraft and saw another aircraft to his upper right. He broke off his approach and reentered the pattern, landing without incident.
Damage Discovery
It was not determined that the aircraft had collided until April 11, 1984, when tire marks and damage to the right wing were found on N2773U during an inspection. N45945 was undamaged.
Remarks
The incident highlights the challenges of communication at uncontrolled airports, particularly when pilots use incorrect frequencies or fail to report their positions.