Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Student
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 40; Flight Crew Total 159; Flight Crew Type 112
Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
I was on the right downwind for runway 19 when I was advised by the tower that I was #3 for landing. I saw 2 other planes on final; one just over the numbers; and another on a 1 mile final. I left some spacing after the second plane; briefly checked that I was clear to my right and turned to right base while descending for the landing. Halfway through my base leg as I descended; I saw another plane on final at my 12 o'clock less around 500 ft in front of me just as I heard the tower instruct me to turn left immediately. I was then advised that the plane in front was the traffic I was supposed to be following; and I was cleared to maneuver to make a 180 and complete the landing.
C172 pilot reported an NMAC in the pattern at FRG when he apparently misidentified the aircraft he was expected to follow.