Air carrier flight crew reported after they were issued line up and wait clearance they stopped past the hold short line when they observed a landing aircraft on short final.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported after they were issued line up and wait clearance they stopped past the hold short line when they observed a landing aircraft on short final.
Narrative
Flight XXXX ZZZZ to ZZZ. As we monitored ZZZZ Tower frequency; the Tower Controller cleared a Piper Navajo to takeoff Runway XX at intersection 1. After his read back; ZZZZ Tower Controller issued us line up and wait; Runway XX. The FO read back the line up and wait verbatim. I set the aircraft lighting according; cleared left and noted the Piper twin was on his takeoff roll away from us; I cleared the right side along with noting traffic what looked like on a left base to the Runway XY. The FO cleared right and left also. The Tower Controller did not say anything to us concerning traffic on final or on approach to our runway; and I believed the aircraft was on base for Runway XY. As I saw the Challenger in a steep left turn to line up on our Runway XX; I was slowing the aircraft's roll down simultaneously as the Controller issued Company Flight XXXX; cancel line up and wait; Stop!" I immediately stopped the aircraft. Our aircraft was about halfway past the hold short line. The traffic (CL60; Challenger 604) that was on base is now in a high bank turn to intercept final for our runway XX; the Tower Controller issued the aircraft to make S-turns as needed. The FO stated to the Tower Controller we are "well" past the hold short line. We at this point expected the Tower Controller to issue a go around for the traffic; no response or direction from the Controller; besides "S-turns approved." As the Challenger rolled out of his S-turn; he saw the situation and self-initiated a go around. The Challenger went around about 200 ft. on final for runway XX. The tower controller then issued the Challenger go around instructions to fly. At this point; I had the FO ask the Tower Controller if we need to vacate the runway or line up and wait as we were past the hold short line. The FO; asked verbatim and the Tower Controller issued us; "line up and wait Runway XX; (other carrier) traffic 7 mile final Runway XY." We lined up and waited. About 30 seconds later she issued us a takeoff clearance; "Company Flight XXXX; traffic landing Runway XY will hold short of your runway at 2; fly runway heading; cleared for takeoff Runway XX." I read back the takeoff clearance as the FO started the takeoff. Also; as we were rolling; the Tower Controller again verified with the traffic landing Runway XY; that he was going to hold short of [taxiway] 2. Normal takeoff continued with an uneventful flight to ZZZ. At no time did we cross the runway hold short line without an ATC clearance. At no time was our aircraft on the runway itself between the white sideline stripes on the runway. Our aircraft was approximately halfway across the hold short line; with an estimated distance of about 200 ft. from the runway side stripe. At no time; in my opinion; was our aircraft or Passengers in danger with the Challenger using normal approach and landing maneuvers; or loss of normal separation. As we were stopped halfway across the hold short line and the Challenger was over the centerline of the runway. In my opinion based on the Controller's actions; (lack of responsive communication and situational awareness to correct the potential conflict) she was caught off guard as the Challenger turned final for our Runway XX. We never did hear the Challenger check on with Tower or receive a landing clearance as this may have been completed prior to us monitoring Tower frequency. The Tower Controller could have issued the Challenger go around instructions. The Tower Controller should have issued us a traffic advisory of the Challenger as she issued us the initial line up and wait clearance. We should have spoken up earlier; instead of remaining silent for a few seconds to not potentially block the Tower's communications to the Challenger. We both expected the Tower Controller to issue a go around for the Challenger instead of "S-turns approved.""
Second reporter narrative
Holding short of Runway XX on Taxiway 3; we received our lineup and wait clearance from Tower. This clearance included information on an aircraft which had been cleared for XX with a LASHO of [taxiway] 2 intersection. There was a GA aircraft just previously cleared for takeoff at intersection 1. The Captain and I noted the traffic on takeoff and looked for traffic on approach to our runway. I did not see any traffic; but the Captain noted traffic on what appeared to be a left base leg for Runway XY. As we were positioning our aircraft for takeoff on the runway; the Controller cancelled our line up and wait clearance. The aircraft which had appeared to be on approach to XY had turned towards XX. This communication came too late as we were past the hold short line for XX. I communicated with the Tower we were well past" the hold short line; about half the aircraft length; and unable to comply with her clearance. She issued the aircraft; a Challenger 604; now on final an "S Turns ok" clearance which seemed odd as we were at this point expecting her to issue this aircraft a go around clearance. Not wanting to potentially block a go around clearance or call by either Tower or the aircraft on final; we waited as long as possible to potentially interject with our concerns. About half a mile out the Challenger reported a go around.Based on the Challenger's high approach profile and its track we later observed on an app; as well as what seemed to be a higher than normal bank angle to get lined up with Runway XX; we believe this aircraft may have confused Runway XX for XY and lined up on the wrong runway."
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.