CL65 flight crew reports a NMAC 40 miles northeast of RIC at 9;000 FT with an ultralight aircraft. Evasive action was taken to avoid the aircraft laterally by 200 FT.
Synopsis
CL65 flight crew reports a NMAC 40 miles northeast of RIC at 9;000 FT with an ultralight aircraft. Evasive action was taken to avoid the aircraft laterally by 200 FT.
Narrative
ATC cleared us direct RIC while we were a little north of SBY VOR; resulting in about a 245 course to the RIC VORTAC. We maintained this course as we started our descent. Shortly after checking on with Potomac Approach; we were approximately 35-40 nautical miles northeast of RIC and about to pass through 9;000 FT MSL when; upon emerging from a cloud; I looked up and saw an ultralight vehicle directly in front of us on the same course and altitude. I called out the aircraft to my Captain. He disengaged the autopilot and immediately initiated a break to the left to create some lateral separation. We passed off to the ultralight's left side. Our separation was zero vertical and less than 200 FT lateral. The entire event; from sighting to evasive action and passing; took no more than 5 seconds. We immediately reported the event to Potomac Approach; and they stated they were not showing anything in our area. The Captain and I had each noted there was no TCAS target; RA or TA; either. We accomplished an uneventful landing; and upon clearing the runway; ground communicated a phone number to us for Potomac Approach; stating that they wanted additional information about the event. At the conclusion of the Shutdown Checklist; my Captain called Potomac Approach and discussed what happened. The weather at the time was VFR; 10 miles visibility; with scattered clouds building in the area to approximately 11;000 FT MSL. The build-ups were closely gathered and I'm not sure if the ultralight aircraft was maintaining proper VFR cloud clearance requirements for class E airspace.
Second reporter narrative
I instinctively disengaged the autopilot and immediately initiated a break to the left to create some lateral separation. We passed off to the ultralight's port side. When passing; I was looking to the right with my eyes fixed on the vehicle and its sole occupant; whom also appeared to be looking at us. Our separation was zero vertical and less than 200 FT lateral. We immediately reported the event to Potomac Approach; and they stated they were not showing anything in our area. The First Officer and I had each noted there was no TCAS target either (which is logical since the ultralight did not seem substantial enough to possess an electrical system). We accomplished an uneventful landing; and upon clearing the runway; Richmond Ground communicated a phone number to us for Potomac Approach; stating that they wanted additional information about the event.
More incidents for this aircraft family →
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.