2021-12 · NASA ASRS report 1859777
Beechcraft 33 pilot reported encountering wake turbulence just before landing at AVQ.
I entered left downwind to Runway 12 at AVQ for landing. A Cessna was ahead of me on downwind for a touch and go; and I announced over CTAF that I was number 2 behind it. To adjust for my greater airspeed than the aircraft I was following; I extended my downwind considerably; and turned base after the aircraft ahead was already on short final. As I turned final; I realized that the distance to the aircraft ahead; which was nearing touchdown; was less than I had planned for. I considered going around; but determined that the aircraft ahead would already be airborne when I touched down; and therefore continued. As I descended through about 100 feet AGL I encountered wake turbulence from the aircraft ahead; which was noticeable in the otherwise calm air; but not difficult to control. I touched down just prior to the aircraft ahead lifting off. In retrospect; I should have gone around early and avoided the situation; which would have been a real hazard had the aircraft ahead decided to stop on the runway. AVQ is a *very* busy airport; with aircraft of widely varying performance. On my approach this day; a Phenom departed; several light aircraft were in closed traffic doing touch and goes; a Cessna 421 was waiting to depart; and another aircraft was inbound on the RNAV 12 approach. This airport needs a Tower!
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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