Narrative:

I was returning to ryan airport and contacted ryn tower about 8 miles directly east and at 4;500 ft AGL. I was told to enter a left downwind for runway 6R and report on downwind. I turned on the landing light for visibility; and began a descent to pattern altitude. I listened to tower instructions to other aircraft; and knew there was another on downwind; and was looking to follow it. About 2 miles from midfield; I noticed an airplane at my altitude and to the left of us; about 2;000 ft away on crosswind. Judging my position and speed; and the apparent position and speed of the other aircraft; it was apparent we were on a collision course. I immediately dove down and banked right; and the [light single] passed approximately 50 ft right above us. I am convinced that if I [had] not taken immediate evasive action; a midair collision would have occurred. I notified the tower someone just flew over us. The controller apologized and said he couldn't get to us quickly enough to alert us of the traffic. Landing was also hectic; as there was an airplane on the runway while we were on short final; and one behind us that was forced to go around since he was too close for us to clear the runway in time. See and avoid is imperative; even at a controlled airport. It is also important to remind the tower of one's position when close (2 miles) to the airport. Controllers should be vigilant when an aircraft is approaching on a downwind when an aircraft is taking off and could turn into the oncoming traffic. Reminding the pilot taking off to delay turns until after the oncoming traffic clears would enhance safety.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: The pilot of a light aircraft reported an NMAC with another light aircraft in the pattern at RYN airport.

Narrative: I was returning to Ryan Airport and contacted RYN Tower about 8 miles directly east and at 4;500 FT AGL. I was told to enter a left downwind for Runway 6R and report on downwind. I turned on the landing light for visibility; and began a descent to pattern altitude. I listened to Tower instructions to other aircraft; and knew there was another on downwind; and was looking to follow it. About 2 miles from midfield; I noticed an airplane at my altitude and to the left of us; about 2;000 FT away on crosswind. Judging my position and speed; and the apparent position and speed of the other aircraft; it was apparent we were on a collision course. I immediately dove down and banked right; and the [light single] passed approximately 50 FT right above us. I am convinced that if I [had] not taken immediate evasive action; a midair collision would have occurred. I notified the Tower someone just flew over us. The Controller apologized and said he couldn't get to us quickly enough to alert us of the traffic. Landing was also hectic; as there was an airplane on the runway while we were on short final; and one behind us that was forced to go around since he was too close for us to clear the runway in time. See and avoid is imperative; even at a controlled airport. It is also important to remind the Tower of one's position when close (2 miles) to the airport. Controllers should be vigilant when an aircraft is approaching on a downwind when an aircraft is taking off and could turn into the oncoming traffic. Reminding the pilot taking off to delay turns until after the oncoming traffic clears would enhance safety.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.