Despite repeated reminders of an aircraft on short final and flare; a Local Controller repeatedly cleared an air carrier B-737 for takeoff. The reporter executed a missed approach out of the flare when the last takeoff clearance was given and rejected.
Synopsis
Despite repeated reminders of an aircraft on short final and flare; a Local Controller repeatedly cleared an air carrier B-737 for takeoff. The reporter executed a missed approach out of the flare when the last takeoff clearance was given and rejected.
Narrative
The Tower issued a landing clearance on Runway XXR as our aircraft turned base following an air carrier 737. We were instructed to reduce to our final approach speed for sequencing with that traffic. The First Officer confirmed the clearance and turned the landing lights on (personal pet peeve that I will not turn the lights on until cleared to land).As we were on a half mile final; another 737 holding short of the runway was cleared for takeoff. The pilot of the 737 said; 'Are you sure about that.' The Controller repeated; 'Air Carrier Y; you are cleared for takeoff Runway XXR.' The pilot then replied; 'What about that Pilatus over the numbers?' The Controller again replied; 'Air Carrier Y; Runway XXR cleared for takeoff.'At this point I was in the flare on Runway XXR; but believed the Controller had lost situational awareness and elected to go around as she had apparently forgotten about our aircraft and was not listening to the Air Carrier Y crew; who would not accept their takeoff clearance with us on the runway.
Second reporter narrative
The go-around was standard; with all call outs and procedures followed. We returned for a normal landing and taxied to the gate.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.