Mustang (P51)
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 23; Flight Crew Total 4100; Flight Crew Type 1250
Distraction; Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airspace Structure; Human Factors
We were returning from a local flight. We were using Runway XXL & R which is not our normal pattern. Therefore; instead of flying closer to the airport; we were maneuvering to a XX landing pattern. We had called the tower 15 miles Southeast to obtain a clearance to enter the D space. We were given a squawk code and told by the tower operator we were observed now at 8 miles Southeast and told to 'fly present heading to avoid traffic'. We were doing so and a minute or two later saw what appeared to be Aircraft Y at our 12:00 position lightly lower and noticed a rapid close rate. He initiated a rapid turn to his left; east. We turned rapidly to our left; west; and avoided contact. The tower called at about that time and instructed us to dive immediately. It was a close call. The tower asked me to call him after we landed. We discussed the event from the point at which he gave us the beacon code. I am not sure if he was talking to Aircraft Y traffic or not. We were able to see and avoid the traffic so it worked out. The operator and I agreed we were closer than we would have liked to be.
P51 pilot reported a NMAC enroute to the airport.