M-4
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 50; Flight Crew Total 2400; Flight Crew Type 300
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
Approaching ZZZ VFR from the southwest we contacted Tower 9 miles out with the current ATIS at 2500 ft. beginning our descent. Tower gave instructions to make straight in Runway XX. On about a 3 mile final we were instructed to make a right 360 to allow for faster traffic 4 miles north to circle to Runway XX in front of us we read back the circling instructions and began a turn to the right. During this time Tower was attempting to establish communications with the aircraft on the circling approach. There was no response from that aircraft. About 270 degrees through our 360 we found ourselves nose to nose with a Lear less than 100 ft. above us on a left base to Runway XX. Tower attempted to issue control instructions but it was too late to do anything and ended up just making a sloppy traffic call; we acknowledge traffic in sight; cut power and initiated a dive while continuing our turn to the right. At the same time the Lear checked in with Tower and advised they were avoiding traffic and would make a 270 to final. Tower then instructed us to change to [Runway] XY and cleared us to land followed by a [Runway] XX landing clearance for the Lear.
Single pilot reported taking evasive action to avoid a mid air collision with another aircraft.