Narrative:

Returning from a training mission in the practice area west of the airport; we were cleared to enter the right base leg for runway 16R. We initially requested the option for which we were cleared and were instructed to make a left closed traffic pattern. We successfully performed the first touch and go and on the left downwind; we were instructed to extend our downwind leg for about five to six more 172s joining us in the pattern. After the second touch and go and on right downwind 16R for the third one; I heard the voice change on tower frequency; (suggesting to me that another controller may have taken over).as we turned base to final for the option on runway 16R; the controller asked us to turn crosswind. I replied by stating that we were on short final and asked for clarification. I then heard the controller ask the 172 upwind of runway 16R to identify their call sign. I heard that aircraft reply with a call sign different from ours. While all this was going on; I was instructing my student during the landing phase; roll; and take off for the third circuit in the pattern. During the climb out; I occasionally looked down through my window on the right to ensure that we were not drifting off our runway heading. At about 800 feet AGL; my student pointed down towards his left window; drawing my attention to another cessna climbing on a parallel heading from 16L. As soon as my eyes caught the glimpse of the other aircraft; I immediately took controls and banked to the right to crosswind to increase separation. I estimated we were probably separated by about 300 to 400 feet horizontally and vertically. On downwind; I requested a full stop landing considering the volume of traffic in the pattern.supervisory attention on my student was divided while instructing; talking to ATC for clarification; and scanning for traffic; thus reducing my overall situational awareness. Additionally; confusion ensued over traffic location within the pattern as one controller handed over to another during a busy wave of inbound aircraft. This incident highlighted for me the need for heightened awareness around an airport and the need to keep talking to a minimum during instruction in the traffic pattern.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: C172 Instructor reported an NMAC with another light aircraft in the pattern at AFW airport.

Narrative: Returning from a training mission in the practice area west of the airport; we were cleared to enter the right base leg for runway 16R. We initially requested the option for which we were cleared and were instructed to make a left closed traffic pattern. We successfully performed the first touch and go and on the left downwind; we were instructed to extend our downwind leg for about five to six more 172s joining us in the pattern. After the second touch and go and on right downwind 16R for the third one; I heard the voice change on tower frequency; (suggesting to me that another controller may have taken over).As we turned base to final for the option on Runway 16R; the controller asked us to turn crosswind. I replied by stating that we were on short final and asked for clarification. I then heard the controller ask the 172 upwind of runway 16R to identify their call sign. I heard that aircraft reply with a call sign different from ours. While all this was going on; I was instructing my student during the landing phase; roll; and take off for the third circuit in the pattern. During the climb out; I occasionally looked down through my window on the right to ensure that we were not drifting off our runway heading. At about 800 feet AGL; my student pointed down towards his left window; drawing my attention to another Cessna climbing on a parallel heading from 16L. As soon as my eyes caught the glimpse of the other aircraft; I immediately took controls and banked to the right to crosswind to increase separation. I estimated we were probably separated by about 300 to 400 feet horizontally and vertically. On downwind; I requested a full stop landing considering the volume of traffic in the pattern.Supervisory attention on my student was divided while instructing; talking to ATC for clarification; and scanning for traffic; thus reducing my overall situational awareness. Additionally; confusion ensued over traffic location within the pattern as one controller handed over to another during a busy wave of inbound aircraft. This incident highlighted for me the need for heightened awareness around an airport and the need to keep talking to a minimum during instruction in the traffic pattern.

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.