Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 18; Flight Crew Total 515; Flight Crew Type 335
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure; Airport
Student and I were working left traffic for 22R at MWC. There was a large volume of traffic coming into the area due to the [event] taking place. After [touch and go] we entered left traffic; leveled off and were established on left downwind. Tower called an experimental that he was to follow a Cessna on left downwind; same altitude less than 3/4 mi and that he was gaining on us. The experimental pilot said he would try to slow down. I made visual contact with the aircraft and mentioned on frequency that we were at his 1 o'clock. He was unable to establish visual contact with us. He said he would extend downwind; at which time we began our descent; shortly beyond abeam 'the numbers'. I expected the traffic following us to continue his downwind at pattern altitude. We slowed to 80 kts; descended with flaps 10 deg and turned base. I do not remember any further traffic advisory calls. After turning left base; at approximately 1300 ft MSL; I look to our left and slightly behind and see the [aircraft] pass very closely overhead and just behind our flight path; on a downwind heading. My student and I made a normal full stop landing and taxied to the ramp to shut down. I asked on frequency if the Tower Manager was still in; the Controller reported that he was not. The Tower Controller called the FBO after I walked in to discuss the event with me. He wanted to better understand what happened. I don't mean to speak negatively of the Controller; but his performance in general is inadequate. This is not the first issue I've had; or have heard of; just that this near mid-air collision should have never come close to happening. I am planning to make a report to the tower manager of the event. I much appreciate the controllers; but I will be thinking twice about the amount of traffic at the airport if this Controller is working. I feel the Controller should have kept a closer eye on the situation as it progressed; and alerted the aircraft following us to maintain his altitude. I spoke with the other pilot after landing; he also felt the Tower Controller was overwhelmed at the time.
C172 flight instructor reported NMAC in pattern due to inadequate ATC service.