Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 4; Flight Crew Total 367; Flight Crew Type 273
Confusion; Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Conflict NMAC
Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Procedure
I was approaching the northwest reporting point at approximately 2;000 ft. heading 270. I heard another aircraft reporting inbound for landing and observed him at approximately pattern altitude heading approximately 090 and turning right. ATC requested him to report 2 mile right base. I called ATC about 30 seconds afterward; reporting over a lake with traffic in sight. I was told that I was number 2 and to report 2 mile right base for Runway 16. At this point I lost visual contact with the other aircraft as I turned onto my base leg and began scanning. I saw a beacon that appeared to be the aircraft turning onto final. At 2 miles I had not heard the other aircraft call yet; however; I called ATC and reported. The Controller was confused as he had not heard the other aircraft report. A moment later I saw the other aircraft approximately 500 ft. below me turn left and indicated to ATC he was making a 360 degree turn to give way to me. ATC advised him to continue to land and that I was cleared to land number two. I am just returning to flying after 25 years and I am rusty but this was a real wake up call. I realize that I did many things wrong. I should have maintained visual contact. I should have taken initial action to give greater separation. I should have asked when I lost contact and I should not have assumed I had regained contact when I was not totally sure. I should have questioned why I had not heard the other aircraft report.
Cessna 172 pilot reported that a loss of visual contact with another aircraft and loss of situational awareness resulted in a NMAC.