Pilot reported a NMAC while entering the traffic pattern.

Date: 2022-01 · Aircraft: Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172 · Phase: descent

Anomalies: conflict-nmac

Synopsis

Pilot reported a NMAC while entering the traffic pattern.

Narrative

Upon entering the traffic pattern at ZZZ during a flight lesson; my student and I experienced a near miss with Aircraft Y. Due to hazy conditions and sunset; there was some difficulty with seeing traffic. My student and I made all of the required and appropriate calls stating our position and intentions of entering on the right downwind RWY XX; starting 8 nm from the field. As we got closer to the airport at approximately 2 nm; Aircraft Y announced its position on right crosswind RWY XX; and stated that it saw us. We notified them we were still looking and had not turned on downwind yet. Aircraft Y appeared to fly a longer crosswind than anticipated at 1;100 feet. I stopped the descent at 1;400 feet and Aircraft Y flew below us at 1;100 feet; and then turned right to fly a wide right downwind for RWY XX. We followed and landed after them; without any additional traffic conflicts or safety concerns. I believe this near miss to be due to both the hazy conditions and uncertainty of the other aircraft's position. In the future to prevent this type of situation; especially with faster moving aircraft; I will fly a wider pattern and delay any entry until I am certain of the aircraft's position regardless of if they have me in sight or not.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.