Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Total 88; Flight Crew Type 76
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown; Distraction
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
I was flying along when approach calls me on the radio and warns of traffic. They say it is at 12 o'clock. They tell me that traffic is 300 ft above me; heading toward me; faster than me; should not be a factor however; keep an eye out. I let them know I am scanning for traffic. They call back a minute later and say traffic is no longer a factor; took on a different heading and changed altitude. I look down at my map for a second and when I look up I am flying straight toward a king air. We both took evasive action to avoid a collision. Once I am sure I am clear of the other airplane I ask approach for a tail number and they reply that they have no idea who; or what that was.
The pilot of a C172 reported initial notification of traffic from ATC followed by notice that there was no longer a traffic issue. The pilot was then surprised by a near-mid-air-collision that required both aircraft to take evasive action.