Bonanza 33
Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 12; Flight Crew Total 501; Flight Crew Type 98
Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
There were 5 planes in the traffic pattern and 1 on the departing runway.  I approached Runway XX (the favoring runway) from the east; at 4 miles out I announced my location and that I would break off the long final approach and join the traffic pattern on the upwind leg. Once in the traffic pattern I announced I was on the upwind leg for XX; full stop. As I turned crosswind a plane on the runway announced its departure.  Not being sure about maintaining separation with the departing aircraft; I announced I would do a right-hand loop giving the departing aircraft time and distance from my aircraft.  At the same time a C-172 announced a 45 to down wind and gave me some room.Completing the loop; I turned crosswind; announced; and then turned downwind and announced.  On the downwind leg I came up quickly on a C-172.  It is unclear where the plane came from; but it was the C-172 on the 45 downwind earlier.  Fortunately; he was lower than me (which was odd because I was at pattern altitude); and he appeared to take action to stay clear of me coming up behind by descending even further and veering to the right.  I passed the C-172 above and to the left; but it seems we both got a little closer than we should have. The C-172 asked if I saw him; and I acknowledged I did; under the belief he was taking evasive action to keep us separated. I continued on to turn base and then final for a full stop on XX.Though separation existed; it was closer than needed be.  I thought by performing a loop; I provided adequate time and distance for all in the pattern; but in hindsight; given the pattern was busy I should have left the pattern entirely and rejoined when spacing was favorable. I also should not have assumed the C-172 had remained clear of my flight path.
BE-33 pilot reported an NMAC occurred as they entered the traffic pattern and performed a non-standard maneuver to provide spacing from other aircraft. The maneuver placed the pilot in the flight path of another aircraft joining the pattern; requiring them to take evasive action.