A single engine aircraft pilot experienced a NMAC with no traffic reported as he entered the DCA SFRA at the BRV Gate and while talking with ATC about avoiding R-6608.
Synopsis
A single engine aircraft pilot experienced a NMAC with no traffic reported as he entered the DCA SFRA at the BRV Gate and while talking with ATC about avoiding R-6608.
Narrative
Returning to Manassas entered DC SFRA at BRV gate. Potomac advised I go to Barin D then Manassas to avoid R6608 A; B; and C. I had planned to do this anyway; while daylight and clear; sun was low and behind clouds; so nothing was sunlit. I was approaching the several tail antenna towers about 6 NM southeast of Manassas airport and proceeding from Barin D to the airport; when; too late; I saw opposite-direction traffic at about 10 to 10:30 o'clock; same altitude about 500 FT away. In the quick glimpse I caught I saw a high wing southeast with gear retracted; seemed to be white with wavy (?) red trim. I believe I had just been handed off to Manassas Tower from Potomac Approach. I had not yet been able to establish communication with Tower. I'm beginning to realize what a dangerous area this is. We are sandwiched horizontally by R6608 and vertically between the Class B floor and the antenna towers. And some of us are talking to Manassas Tower and some to Potomac Approach and some in between. I filed a report for a near miss in the same area. What will I do to try to avoid a mid-air collision near Barin D? I will still approach Manassas via Barin D; but I will continue north 4 NM more before I turn toward Manassas. Then I go lower and will not be directly opposite traffic departing Manassas for Barin D. Could you please advise Potomac Approach that there will be a mid-air at Barin Dif they don't coordinate better with Manassas Tower.
NASA callback
PCT should have better coordingation with Manassas airport. Apparently the other pilot was taking with them but when a pilot is turned over there no more traffic advisories in that area.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.