Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
During a visual approach we came less than 100 feet vertically of another aircraft. We received a visual approach clearance to Runway 11. Approach Controller said to be on the look out for a Cessna in the traffic pattern. We received a frequency change to the Tower and checked in. We received landing clearance with information on a VFR Cessna in right traffic on the downwind. At this point we did not have that traffic in sight yet. But the traffic was displaying on the TCAS display and it appeared on the downwind. We finished the landing configuration and checklists. The Tower was communicating with the Cessna pilot. The Cessna said he had us in sight. The Tower instructed him to follow us and continue on the downwind. About 800 feet above ground level we received 'traffic' advisory; with a +01; down arrow displayed. That is when we spotted him. It was very; very close with a right to left crossing directly overhead. I instinctively pushed the nose over to miss the other aircraft. Turning or climbing would of resulted in a hit. After landing; I noticed the offending aircraft way northwest of the airport maneuvering back towards the runway. I did call the Tower via phone. They said that aircraft has been all over their airspace tonight and was not sure if an instructor was on board. She also said the aircraft is from a satellite airport.
CRJ-200 flight crew experienced a Near Mid Air Collision with a small aircraft while descending for landing. The other aircraft had been pointed out by the Tower Controller and had been instructed to follow the CRJ.