Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 69; Flight Crew Total 1140; Flight Crew Type 930
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
I contacted Approach and was told to fly a north heading and also to expect a mid-field left downwind wind for runway XYL. Approximately two miles from the airport I was told to contact the tower. Tower cleared me for a left downwind for [Runway] XYL informed me we were number two in the pattern following an Arrow. We were told to descend to pattern altitude. I also informed Tower that I didn't have my traffic in sight. At that time the Arrow crossed in front of me from left to right. It was approximately 500 feet in front of me and 350 feet below me. I estimate that the Arrow was at 1;000 feet MSL; and we were 1;350 feet MSL.
The pilot of a C-172 reported a near-mid-air-collision during descent to pattern altitude while looking for traffic called out by ATC.