Small Aircraft; High Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 300; Flight Crew Total 750
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure; Human Factors
En route to FHR approximately 30 NM south of the airport; escaped a near mid-air collision with a plane coming from behind/overtaking us. We received a traffic report from Whidbey Approach of traffic 300 feet above at our 6 o'clock a few miles behind. Next transmission was 'traffic descending to same altitude gaining speed'. We diverted 10 degrees left of course for traffic avoidance; however they also followed our left course. Whidbey transmission 'traffic right behind you/on you 6 to 5 o'clock'. I spotted them nearly hitting our wing and diverted into a steep 50 degree turn left to avoid the collision'. Upon later confronting the other pilot; he said 'he didn't move even though he saw us because he was making position reports on the UNICOM'.
Flight Instructor was advised by ATC of traffic closing from behind and took evasive action to avoid a near mid air collision.