Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 3300; Flight Crew Type 3000
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors
I was in the traffic pattern being vectored to land by the STS tower and was on a base leg to Runway 14. I was on right base about a mile form the final approach to Runway 14 and was number two to land. As I was close to the runway and did not have the number one to land aircraft in view; I requested a 180 degree turn (to the right); but Tower said 'negative;' proceed to land; you are number one. Upon turning from base to final; I spotted the other aircraft above and to my left less than 500 feet horizontally and about 50 feet vertically. The other aircraft saw me and made a sharp turn to the left. Thank goodness no contact was made between my aircraft and other one.
GA pilot reported an NMAC event during final approach to STS airport after ATC denied a vector away from runway.