Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 71; Flight Crew Total 168; Flight Crew Type 110
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
I was one of three aircraft conducting pattern work for training at the uncontrolled airport. I was not keeping close track of where the other planes were (Problem 1); only that they were in the pattern ahead of me. After one of my touch-and-go's I climbed to 700 ft (Traffic pattern altitude - 300 ft) and started my crosswind turn. During that climb; I did not have the C152 in sight and was not paying attention to its specific position in the pattern (Problem 1). Because of my speed and climb advantage over the C152 I turned left crosswind for Runway XX inside of the C152. The C152 saw me cutting in front of them at nearly the same altitude as we were both about to turn left downwind; and took evasive action to create vertical separation by descending to 600 ft. At this time the instructor contacted me on the radio and asked if I could see him visually. I asked where he was. He responded that he was in a left downwind for XX. At this point; I saw the C152 below and in front of me. I slowed down; but continued to fly downwind (Problem 2). I intended to extend my downwind until after the C152 turned left base for XX. I did not see it turn base; and instead of contacting it to see what their intentions were; I turned base and started a descent thinking that they were leaving the pattern (Problem 3). At this time; the instructor in the C152 once again asked if I still held him visually; at this point the C152 came into view below and right of me flying in the same direction (left base for XX). I then maintained my altitude at 800 ft; turned and over flew the runway at that altitude. The C152 made a full stop landing. I completed another pattern and made a full stop landing to discuss the incident with the instructor in the C152. He help provide the details for this incident. The third plane in the traffic pattern was not a factor during this incident. What should have happenedProblem 1. I should have maintained a near exact position of the other aircraft in the pattern; especially the one right in front of me. On takeoff; I was dwelling on my last landing instead of putting my full attention on flying and collision avoidance. I should have waited to turn left crosswind until after I had seen the C152 turn left crosswind and ensured proper separation.Problem 2. At this point; I should have made a right turn out of the pattern and climbed to create both vertical and horizontal separation and to give the lower critical aircraft room to maneuver at a safe altitude.Problem 3. I should have communicated with the C152 instead of making assumptions. I should NOT have turned base and should NOT have descended without knowing exactly where the C152 was and ensuring there was not collision factor.
Pilot reported a NMAC at a non-towered airport.