Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 40; Flight Crew Total 130; Flight Crew Type 80
Conflict Airborne Conflict
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Airport
I just experienced a near-mid-air collision. I came back from my cross-country; it was getting dark; and there was a large group of aircraft attempting to landing at LYH; runway 4. Tower told another aircraft...to follow us in; we were number #2 to land at the time. The aircraft started to turn in front of us; thinking that #3 to land was us. Tower had us do an immediate 360; and started to chew out the other aircraft. Meanwhile we were doing the 360; and another aircraft was making a left turn to enter into the landing order. I notice them on TCAS and realized they were on a collision course. Being in a left turn; I don't think he could see me. TCAS also said he was at the same altitude. I couldn't go down since it was night and I didn't want to get any closer to the ground; and I wasn't sure where to go laterally because of all the confusion; so I climbed. I pass directly over top of him; at maybe two hundred feet or so. I was then queried by ATC if I had him in sight; which I said I did. I followed him in to land; but was shaken up enough to where I botched my first landing and had to do a go around; partially because of the strong crosswind. Second pattern lead to a smooth landing.
A private pilot in a C172 entered a busy traffic pattern and suffered two separate losses of separation requiring evasive maneuvering. Both events were harrowing but did not meet NMAC criteria.