C172 Student Pilot and his Instructor reported a CRJ700 cut in front of the C172 on approach to BJI; resulting in a wake turbulence encounter and subsequent go-around for the C172.
Synopsis
C172 Student Pilot and his Instructor reported a CRJ700 cut in front of the C172 on approach to BJI; resulting in a wake turbulence encounter and subsequent go-around for the C172.
Narrative
I am a student pilot; preparing for my check ride. My plan for the flight lesson was to fly locally and just work on pattern work; takeoffs; and landings. This is a non-towered airport. I confirmed that I was on the correct frequency for the local traffic and communicated for taxi; takeoff; and with my first takeoff announced that I would be 'departing on runway 13; closed traffic.' This is left traffic pattern. My takeoff was unremarkable. I announced my aircraft type; tail number and position for each leg of the pattern. I completed my first landing for a full-stop. This was also unremarkable. When I was ready to depart again; I announced that I was 'departing on runway 13; closed traffic.' I did not hear any other radio communication that necessitated changing my intention to stay in the pattern and continue landing/takeoff practice or to extend any of my legs for spacing. Again; I announced my position for each leg of the traffic pattern. When I reached the end of the runway and my perch point; I saw an airplane on the departure end of runway 13; still waiting to depart. I never heard that aircraft announce its intention to depart runway 13. Seeing the aircraft on the runway; I made the decision to extend my downwind for runway 13 to maintain spacing; and I announced this intention. After flying out three miles from the end of the runway; I initiated my descent and announced that I was turning base for runway 13. I continued to descend and announced that I was turning a 3 mile final for runway 13. As I turned left and was approaching runway 13; I saw a regional jet overtake me on my right on its approach to land on the same runway. I never heard their radio communication announcing their position and intention. I never saw that aircraft before I was overtaken. Additionally; this aircraft was apparently inbound from the south and made a right turn to final; which is not standard for this airport. I was lower; slower; and in a position closer to land when I was overtaken by this aircraft who ultimately descended and approached more rapidly to complete the intended landing. As a result; I maintained control of my aircraft while flying through its wake turbulence and executing a go-around. For this; I side-stepped the runway to the right. After climbing to pattern altitude; I announced my intentions and position for each leg of the pattern; and then I landed. I exited the runway and taxied back to parking; announcing that I was clear of all runways; and I also announced when I crossed runway 7-25. When I parked; I debriefed with my CFI and told him what happened. I learned that my communications were being received; and other pilots concluded that I was not receiving their communications. This is apparently due to equipment malfunction.The problem was multi-factorial. First; I was not receiving all radio communications; only some. Second; the other aircraft was doing right traffic (non-standard) while I was doing left traffic (preferred). Third; I did not see the other aircraft until I was overtaken; and encountering his wake turbulence was unavoidable. Maintaining situational awareness and ensuring reliable communication are the lessons for this.
Second reporter narrative
Student Pilot doing solo pattern work. Entered left downwind (standard); commercial flight inbound made right downwind. Student extended downwind for traffic on the active runway. Making radio calls on extended downwind. Did not hear Aircraft Y on radios; possible radio inop. Student turned a 3 mile extended left base; announcing position on CTAF. Student turned a 3 mile final; announcing a 3 mile final on CTAF. Aircraft Y announced a 3 mile final on CTAF. Student said Aircraft Y was above his flight path as he turned base to final. Student performed a go-around; and caught some of the CRJ's wake turbulence in the process. Aircraft Y landed; student made another lap in the pattern and landed.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.