On a non controlled GA runway, aren’t the planes supposed to do a fly-by to look for activity.
I live across the street from our local GA strip, and the planes fly the length, maje a tyrn and fly across before lining up for landing.
It’s possible the pilot did this and saw her but by the time he landed, she came on the runway.
I think that’s right. There may even be rules for “announcing” your intentions prior to landing so that other aircraft in the area are aware of you. That wouldn’t have helped her though. Sad situation.
**On a non controlled GA runway, aren’t the planes supposed to do a fly-by to look for activity.**
Most non controlled airports have published information which includes the ‘pattern’ used to approach and land.
The primary deciding factor for which runway to use is the wind direction. (A single runway is actually two: there being the use in either direction.)
A properly equipped airport has a wind ‘T’, and a wind ‘sock’ (the sock shows both wind direction and a clue to how strong the wind is). The best way to confirm the wind condition is to fly around the airport, which is also good for searching the sky for other aircraft, and checking ground traffic.
I would venture to guess the pilot didn’t fly a pattern.