Narrative:

I was approaching the northwest reporting point at approximately 2;000 ft. Heading 270. I heard another aircraft reporting inbound for landing and observed him at approximately pattern altitude heading approximately 090 and turning right. ATC requested him to report 2 mile right base. I called ATC about 30 seconds afterward; reporting over a lake with traffic in sight. I was told that I was number 2 and to report 2 mile right base for runway 16. At this point I lost visual contact with the other aircraft as I turned onto my base leg and began scanning. I saw a beacon that appeared to be the aircraft turning onto final. At 2 miles I had not heard the other aircraft call yet; however; I called ATC and reported. The controller was confused as he had not heard the other aircraft report. A moment later I saw the other aircraft approximately 500 ft. Below me turn left and indicated to ATC he was making a 360 degree turn to give way to me. ATC advised him to continue to land and that I was cleared to land number two. I am just returning to flying after 25 years and I am rusty but this was a real wake up call. I realize that I did many things wrong. I should have maintained visual contact. I should have taken initial action to give greater separation. I should have asked when I lost contact and I should not have assumed I had regained contact when I was not totally sure. I should have questioned why I had not heard the other aircraft report.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Cessna 172 pilot reported that a loss of visual contact with another aircraft and loss of situational awareness resulted in a NMAC.

Narrative: I was approaching the northwest reporting point at approximately 2;000 ft. heading 270. I heard another aircraft reporting inbound for landing and observed him at approximately pattern altitude heading approximately 090 and turning right. ATC requested him to report 2 mile right base. I called ATC about 30 seconds afterward; reporting over a lake with traffic in sight. I was told that I was number 2 and to report 2 mile right base for Runway 16. At this point I lost visual contact with the other aircraft as I turned onto my base leg and began scanning. I saw a beacon that appeared to be the aircraft turning onto final. At 2 miles I had not heard the other aircraft call yet; however; I called ATC and reported. The Controller was confused as he had not heard the other aircraft report. A moment later I saw the other aircraft approximately 500 ft. below me turn left and indicated to ATC he was making a 360 degree turn to give way to me. ATC advised him to continue to land and that I was cleared to land number two. I am just returning to flying after 25 years and I am rusty but this was a real wake up call. I realize that I did many things wrong. I should have maintained visual contact. I should have taken initial action to give greater separation. I should have asked when I lost contact and I should not have assumed I had regained contact when I was not totally sure. I should have questioned why I had not heard the other aircraft report.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.