Pilot and Local Controller reported a pilot misidentified aircraft to follow on final resulted in a NMAC.
Synopsis
Pilot and Local Controller reported a pilot misidentified aircraft to follow on final resulted in a NMAC.
Narrative
I was working as a Local Controller and it got pretty busy real quick. Several aircraft in the pattern. Several other departures; arrivals; a pipeline aircraft that wanted to be right over the Runway XX final; an IFR departure; IFR arrival. Did everything right. Aircraft X was extended downwind and sequenced behind IFR Aircraft Y on a 5 mile final for ILS XX approach. Aircraft X pilot acknowledged only with their call sign. I went back to verify if Aircraft X had Aircraft Y at 11:00 in sight. Aircraft X said yes we have the traffic in sight. I said roger follow the Aircraft Y. Aircraft X then proceeded to turn base right in-front of Aircraft Y. The Aircraft Y said Tower; you've got Aircraft X right by my Aircraft Y; and later on Ground Control said they had to swerve out of the way. I told Aircraft X they had cut someone off and to proceed southbound for 3 miles to re-sequence. I then turned them back North for a 4 mile final; then they made some other unexpected loop maneuver to final. I asked Aircraft X to make this a full stop and advise when they could write down a phone number after landing. I asked Ground to give them a proper brasher statement. The pilot of Aircraft X later stated on the phone that they never saw the Aircraft Y. Have discussion with the pilot of the importance of listening to position and type of aircraft to follow; especially when busy. I also could have included a sequence number.
Second reporter narrative
I was in the traffic pattern doing touch and go landings on Runway XX. While doing my 3rd landing; I was told by the Control Tower to turn in and follow Aircraft Y. As I looked out the window; I saw what I thought was the Aircraft Y on final approach to landing. So I began my turn to final. Not knowing that there was another aircraft on final approach; and that was the aircraft I was supposed to follow. The Tower Controller then informed me of my mistake; and then had me break off my approach to the South. Which I did. Then they sequenced me back into the landing pattern; had me land the aircraft I was flying; and call them via the telephone. To explain what I did; and why I did it. In all honesty; I thought I was fully complying with the Control Towers instructions. My mistake was that I miss identified the aircraft I was supposed to follow. As a result of this; on my own volition; I have contacted a flight instructor; and am now seeking additional training per the regulations. I look to improve upon my proficiency in the traffic pattern environment; and to not make the same mistake again in the future. As a result of this issue; and from the point of safety; I will now confirm and double check the instructions from the Control Tower are exactly what they want me to do.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.