Two general aviation aircraft approaching Willard Airport have a NMAC. Willard is uncontrolled and both aircraft were on UNICOM but didn't see each other until very close.

Narrative

As we both approached the runway I was at 1800 FT while he was at 2000 FT entering the pattern from the northwest. We were both looking for each other as we entered the pattern however neither of us saw the other until we both were in the pattern. I had yet to turn downwind and saw him moments before flying under him. I then elected to do a 360 and follow him in the pattern to a normal landing on Runway 28. Although I've been to this airport a few times in the past for fuel; it was in winter and easier to see against the all white background of snow. It was much more difficult to pick out the runway at pattern altitude on this day and even without the conflicting traffic I might have overshot the runway and come back around the pattern. My inability to pick out the airport and the changing season gave the area a different look that made it difficult to exactly ascertain my position. Coming from the south the landing environment is mostly obscured by a tree line at pattern altitude. In the future when I hear of other traffic entering the pattern I plan to give the airport a wide berth until I'm sure of where the other traffic is located.