Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 23.5; Flight Crew Total 116.3
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Training / Qualification
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors
I was entering the traffic pattern from the north of the airport and the Tower told me to go right downwind and I didn't understand and I went to the left downwind instead. I thought I was supposed to follow the aircraft in front of me; not seeing the other aircraft on left downwind which had to take evasive action. I understand now that I made a mistake and was confused about where I was supposed to go. I have requested extra training from my flight school so this won't happen again.
C172 pilot reports being cleared to enter right downwind; but was confused and followed traffic ahead into the left downwind. Another pilot also on the left downwind took evasive action to avoid the reporter.