Cessna 152
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 950; Flight Crew Type 75
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors
I was in the pattern on a left downwind for Runway 36 following a company C152. I was instructed to follow this C152 and I did that. The Tower Controller cleared me to land on Runway 36 behind the Cessna in front of me; not informing me I was number 4 to land at this time. Another aircraft came in from my right on an extended base; making two aircraft on base at this time and I was unsure as to who I was following. The two aircraft were close; and the Tower Controller was unsure who was who. Both of the Cessnas turned final; and as the #1 traffic was on short final; the following aircraft was told to 'fly eastbound;' instead of telling the individual to go around without naming an N number. The controller lost separation between the two aircraft and struggled to sort the situation out. They used improper terminology to issue a go around and the aircraft was confused as to what to do.
C152 pilot reports a conflict in the pattern at DTO and stated they felt improper ATC procedures were a factor.