PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 4; Flight Crew Total 95; Flight Crew Type 95
Situational Awareness
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors
After handoff from Approach Control to Tower; Tower cleared pilot to enter downwind leg of traffic pattern for runway XYR (right traffic). Upon descent; pilot leveled below 3443 MSL Traffic Pattern Altitude (to approximately 3100 MSL) and approximately half the distance from the runway than appropriate. Pilot discovered altitude and distance error when approximately 500 horizontal feet from abeam the control tower (2850 MSL height); and passed tower within approximately 200 horizontal feet and 250 vertical feet. Tower notified pilot that he was 'a little low and narrow;' and authorized a 270 left turn for base leg to correct altitude and position. Pilot complied and resumed landing procedures.Cause and corrective action: Pilot was in a faster descent than anticipated due to incorrect power setting and did not recheck altitude or position when near the field. Pilot must plan for power settings and descent more closely and sooner; as well as more frequently verify location relevant to the runway.
PA-28 pilot reported flying within 200 feet of the control tower during a visual approach.