C172 instructor and trainee reported a NMAC while under ATC flight following. The intruding aircraft was not observed by ATC.
Synopsis
C172 instructor and trainee reported a NMAC while under ATC flight following. The intruding aircraft was not observed by ATC.
Narrative
Was practicing in practice area simulated emergencies; descents; climbs. Turned South away from traffic reported North and West; and was setting up for ground reference maneuvers over farm plots underneath the Charlie airspace. We had scanned the area; and I mentioned going down in altitude to prepare for maneuvers. Student called out rain ahead that he would like to avoid. ATC had called traffic to our West; and while trying to track West traffic; another plane had flown directly under us from 11 o'clock direction to right under our flight path. During scan ahead of the rain; no plane was visible at the time. Student made evasive action by pulling up; allowing a plane to pass under us. After the plane had already passed; ATC had called traffic to be south of our position; but no other traffic was South.Possible problem is plane had come in direction of rain ahead of us and did not spot plane in rain. Unknown if other plane had lights on; all our exterior lights were on upon takeoff. ATC aid in traffic spotting was on point for all other traffic; but this one did not come in time. Student spotted plane and evaded. Possible corrective action is to improve scan and also obtain a Foreflight Sentry to aid in traffic spotting.
Second reporter narrative
From my point of view; I was on a standard pre-solo practice ride with my instructor. We were executing clearing turns and practicing maneuvers and emergencies. After simulating an engine fire; we were descending from 2500ft to ~1300ft with the intent of practicing ground reference maneuvers. While we were descending; my instructor and I were searching for traffic we had heard reported at roughly our 2 o'clock; a couple miles out and ~1000ft up. At roughly XA22Z; I noticed something out of the corner of my eye; glanced over; and saw an aircraft within 50 feet vertically at my 10 crossing left to right. I immediately slammed the throttle to full and pulled back on the yoke to execute a rapid climb away from the oncoming Aircraft Y. If I did not act; I believe there is a very high chance that there would have been a collision. We had previously visually cleared our airspace of any traffic; and were squawking XXXX in accordance with ZZZ1 and ZZZ guidance. We were receiving flight following from ZZZ. Neither ATC nor the seaplane in question showed any signs that they were aware of the two planes about to intercept.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.