Beech 1900
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 89; Flight Crew Total 2022
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Procedure
I had been contacted by a gentleman who recently had purchased a Beechcraft BE19 Sport. He was interested in finding a CFI to help out with some flight training. Since I have flying hours in comparable types; but not the BE19; I wished to fly with him in his airplane to get a feel for it and build some experience. He was in the left seat and I was in the right seat. We were granted takeoff clearance off right closed traffic was approved.The departure and crosswind legs were normal; as was the initial downwind turn. While we were midfield downwind; another aircraft made a radio call along the lines of 'I sure hope that airplane in front of me isn't landing here'. I immediately felt something wasn't right and looked to my 5 o' clock position. Sure enough; a Piper Cherokee was also flying the downwind with us. He was a little lower and overtaking. It appeared he had taken evasive action to the right of course; and we elected the safest option was to proceed straight ahead and do not alter course.Tower then said; 'Oh yeah; that guy is definitely not supposed to be there.' It appeared the Controller had forgotten talking to us shortly beforehand. I called up and said '...we were cleared for right closed traffic.' Tower gave us a left 360 and had the Cherokee land first. Our landing was uneventful. Once we landed; I called Tower on the phone. I spoke to the Local Controller and told the Controller that I wished to file an NMAC. I am awaiting the supervisor's call.The Controller admitted making the mistake; but this was a great learning experience for all involved. Contributing to this was how this was my first flight in this airplane. Because of this; I was concentrating more on flying tasks and system operations; and if this was a more familiar airplane; my eyes would have been outside more and perhaps I would've spotted the Cherokee on an extended downwind. This event was a reminder that pilots must remain vigilant at all times and always clear every single turn - even with a control tower or ARTCC/Tracon - especially in the traffic pattern.
An instructor pilot reported a NMAC with another aircraft on the downwind leg.