Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 7; Flight Crew Total 128; Flight Crew Type 90
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
I was cleared for takeoff by the Tower Controller on Runway 17 at UAO. When starting my takeoff roll I requested a 'right turnout and then departure to the NW;' which was approved. At 500 feet AGL I turned right to a NW heading of approximately 320. When I reached 1;000 feet AGL I saw an aircraft on a northerly heading that was descending and going to cross paths with me. The aircraft was approaching me from the left (from the south) and I believe they were on a right downwind for Runway 17 at UAO. I felt that this distance was way too close for comfort and so I immediately stopped my climb and turned left to close the distance between me and the other aircraft before it descended to my altitude. I passed under the aircraft at approximately 100 feet below their altitude. I felt that if I had turned right instead passing under them; the pilot could have descended onto the top of my airplane. I initially thought I had possibly done something wrong and waited for ATC to scold me (or the other plane) for the loss of separation. Nothing ever came over ATC and I continued out of the airspace. As I thought more about the incident; I realize that I was flying exactly as I was cleared to by ATC. I'm not sure if the other pilot was incorrect; or lack of situational awareness by ATC. I'm still unsure. In the future I would make sure to advise ATC of the situation immediately instead of staying quiet.
C172 pilot reported an NMAC with another light aircraft while departing UAO airport.