Story Published: Apr 29, 2011 at 3:20 PM PDT
Story Updated: May 2, 2011 at 7:01 PM PDT
A Horizon aircraft lands at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport in this file image. (KLEW File)
Bobbie Egan said Flight 2216 was cleared for final approach at around 10:40 a.m. and was in contact with a Horizon ground agent. At the same time a Cessna was in the area involved in training.
Egan says another Cessna entered the pattern unannounced and appeared to be cutting off the first Cessna, which was in an approach pattern behind the Q-400. She said this forced the trainer and the Q-400 pilot to "change course." Egan said the Horizon pilot then made a "precautionary missed approach." She says both pilots visually observed the problem and then performed the maneuver.
"At no time did our crew fly in a manner that would be considered evasive and a collision was never imminent," Egan said.
Immediately after landing, Egan said the Horizon pilot notified the Lewiston control tower, where the plane was headed. In addition, the pilot completed a company-required report after landing in Pullman. The company then notified the FAA at the Hillsboro, Oregon, Flight Standards District office.
Last Friday, Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport Manager Robb Parish said he talked to Horizon personnel at the airport, who told him the Cessna that created the problem was flown by an 85-year-old pilot who had rented the plane out of Coeur d’Alene.
The FAA office in Hillsboro was not immediately available to provide additional information.
