B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 208; Flight Crew Total 6396; Flight Crew Type 388
Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Distraction; Workload; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic; Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach
Human Factors; Procedure
On the ILS PRM to 10C in VMC conditions just inside final approach fix we were told to slow to approach speed as we were getting less than 2.5 miles on traffic in front. We were already at 167 knots with our REF. speed of 157 knots. Preceding traffic was told to plan on a short time on Runway traffic close behind. Preceding 737 traffic turned off at DD which is a 90 degree turn which is slower than the next high speed and surprisingly short touchdown and roll. We were anticipating a go around but at 100 feet we saw the preceding aircraft was well; clear of the runway. Tower then told us to go around at about 10 feet. I thought we were going to touch the Runway but did not. I also heard the voice in the back ground tell the controller to tell aircraft to go around so the warning was not completely done before the Tower controller already had us on the go. From my position there was no need for a go around in this situation at such a late/ near the runway time. If a go around was needed it the warning should have been much earlier. And secondly we were flaring in about the area the preceding aircraft cleared the runway.
Pilot reported of following traffic into an airport and slowing for spacing on short final. Pilot observed the preceding traffic exit the runway and at the same time ATC told the aircraft to go around. Pilot went around but felt it was not necessary.