Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 2 Eng; Retractable Gear
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 79; Flight Crew Total 312; Flight Crew Type 38
Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
We were flying inbound to East Ponds (VFR reporting point for aircraft) nearing the end of our descent and we were in contact with GFK Approach. Approach instructed [another aircraft] to 'execute a right 360 for sequencing.' Approach had to repeat that instruction before [the other aircraft] responded. Approach then told us; 'Traffic is 11 o'clock; 1 mile; southwest bound; 2;200 feet; traffic will be doing a right 360 to get behind you.' I responded that we had the traffic in sight. I also adjusted our heading to the right (more west bound; instead of southwest bound) to increase spacing from [the other aircraft]. Approach then told [the other aircraft]; 'Traffic northeast of your position; 1 mile; southwest bound; 2;800; has you in sight; you'll be following them into East Ponds.' [The other aircraft] responded that they were looking for traffic. I looked back up from setting the new heading; and couldn't find [the other aircraft] outside. I asked the PNF if he still had the traffic in sight and he wasn't aware that we had even been issued traffic advisories. At that point; I glanced at the ADS-B and saw [the other aircraft] disappear. I went back to scanning for traffic outside; and then noticed [the other aircraft] re-appear from behind our left wing still in the right 360. They were approximately 300 feet from us horizontally and about 200 feet below us. I immediately disconnected the autopilot and initiated a climb and banked away from [the other aircraft]. Approach did not issue another traffic advisory until [the other aircraft] had completed their 360 turn; then they were told; 'Traffic is west of your position; 2 miles; southwest bound; 2;100; follow them into East Ponds.' [The other aircraft] reported us in sight; and then Approach had us contact Tower. We completed the remainder of the flight without incident.As for corrective actions; listen to ATC's instructions for other aircraft; and speak-up if something doesn't sound right. GFK Approach should have instructed the traffic to make a left 360; rather than a right 360. Also; make sure the PNF is maintaining visual contact with the traffic or is at least scanning for the traffic.
Pilot reported an NMAC with another light aircraft during arrival into GFK airport.