PA28 Student Pilot reported that the other PA28 pilot was confused in spotting traffic and made a mistake in the sequence; resulting in a NMAC; and evasive action was executed by the former during the final approach.
Synopsis
PA28 Student Pilot reported that the other PA28 pilot was confused in spotting traffic and made a mistake in the sequence; resulting in a NMAC; and evasive action was executed by the former during the final approach.
Narrative
We were conducting an IFR flight from ZZZ1 to ZZZ. This was part of a cross-country Part 141 training flight ZZZ - ZZZ2 - ZZZ1 - ZZZ while working on my Flight Instructor rating. I was in the right seat; with my Flight Instructor in the left seat. I was using a view-limiting device; while my Flight Instructor was able to look outside. We were conducting the VOR XXR approach into ZZZ for a full-stop landing on Runway XXR. Very close to the VDP and around 100 ft. prior to minimums; I observed an ADS-B aircraft target on the MFD (Multi-function Flight Display) that was turning right base inside of us cutting us off. At the same time; we heard Aircraft Y make a radio call about them turning base." My Flight Instructor and I both made a comment of "what the f*** is that aircraft doing." The aircraft had previously been instructed to follow us and was sequenced to be number two by the Tower. The Tower asked the aircraft for clarification and if they had us in sight. The Tower also informed the aircraft they appeared to be cutting us off. I was still under the hood; and transferred flight controls to my Flight Instructor who began a climb and slight right turn to avoid the aircraft. I immediately removed my view-limiting device and looked outside to see the aircraft directly below and to our right. The aircraft was only a couple hundred ft. below us; very much too close for comfort. We climbed above up to 2100 ft. before cancelling IFR; descending back into the VFR traffic pattern for Runway XXR and completing a lap of right traffic to follow Aircraft Z before landing. We taxied back to the ramp with no further incident. I believe the pilot of Aircraft Y became confused about who she was following. Instead of clarifying and ensuring; or admitting she did not have the aircraft in sight; she instead simply read back the sequence; and then proceeded to turn base a few moments later. I believe fatigue; stress; and a hesitancy to seem like she did not know what she was doing all could have played into the hesitancy to ask before turning. The pilot of Aircraft Y should have remained in the downwind and asked the Tower; not turn base and then announce that. The radio call the pilot made about turning base seemed to indicate she was very confused; and seemed to be an attempt to check she was doing the correct action. Suggestion - Ensure that in training; students are taught what to do in situations where they are given a sequence and they become confused; or do not know who they are supposed to follow. Emphasis should be placed on remaining in the downwind and asking the Tower; not just turning and advising the Tower they are turning base."
Second reporter narrative
I was on a night local solo; coming back to ZZZ. I was on the downwind for Runway XXR. Tower told me; Follow traffic on 3 mile final; number 2; cleared to land." I saw the aircraft on short final and I assumed that was the traffic I'm following. Before I turned base; I saw the IFR traffic on the MFD (Multi-function Flight Display); but couldn't tell if they were going to Runway XXR or XXL. When I started turning base I called Tower; "Aircraft Y is turning base;" but Tower didn't reply [to] me at the moment. I called them again to verify if I can turn base. That's when they said; "Do you have the traffic in sight?"; and I saw the IFR traffic at my 11 o'clock and climbing. Then; Tower told the IFR traffic to go around; and cleared me to land Runway XXR. After I landed; ZZZ Ground gave me a number to call.[The cause was] a communication misunderstanding. I thought the aircraft on short final was the traffic I'm supposed to follow. I assumed the IFR traffic that appeared far away was going to land on Runway XXL.I will ask to clarify the clearance; and if I'm confused about the clearance I should always ask before action. Also; be more situationally aware by listening to the other aircraft's radio calls; and have the big picture in mind."
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.