MD-82
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Aircraft; Human Factors; Procedure; Environment - Non Weather Related
With only main tank fuel available due to inoperative center fuel boost pumps; flight was dispatched with a conditional release to our more distant final destination.  Enroute; the Captain determined that sufficient fuel was available to continue to our final destination and upon arrival in the terminal area; we notified approach of our minimum fuel status.  A shortened pattern was provided to Runway XXL; and in spite of close encounters with 10 birds and a TCAS Traffic advisory in the final 2 miles; the Captain flew a nice stabilized approach to the runway.  Another aircraft had landed ahead of us; and apparently rolled out long; in spite of being directed to expedite clearing the runway.  We saw his lights moving to the right; indicating he was clearing the runway as we started the landing flare.  At this point; the Controller directed us to go-around; and I was immediately directed by the Captain to inform the Controller we were unable to go-around due to our fuel status; which I did.  The response from the Controller was 'Roger'. We had approximately 4;700 lb. FOB at this point; and as we touched down; we heard the other aircraft say; 'We're clear.'  The landing and rollout were uneventful and we cleared the runway at Taxiway X.  As we taxied to Spot XX; we heard the Ground Controller providing a phone number to the other aircraft to call.  Our estimation of where the other aircraft cleared the runway is either taxiway Y or Z.  We shutdown at the gate with approximately 3;700 lb. FOB.  In our estimation; had we gone around; we would have quickly progressed from a minimum fuel situation to an emergency situation.With the discussion of the minimum fuel situation aside; timely clearance of the landing runway when preceding a minimum fuel or emergency aircraft; especially when directed to do so by ATC; would have totally precluded this incident.
This was a coordinated/planned (Dispatch and ATC) minimum fuel arrival due to operational considerations. All was going well. Inside of 500 feet a regional jet decided to roll long. I believe Tower advised them to expedite 'traffic on short final.' The regional jet continued to rollout as to exit [near the end of the runway]. We could see them beginning turn off; but not quite clear as we approached 200 feet. At approximately 100 feet the Tower stated 'ACR X go-around.' I told my First Officer and he repeated 'Negative; landing.' The Controller was doing his job and could not issue a hold short clearance; and I believe he correctly instructed us to go-around. However; based on our minimum arrival fuel status; and the traffic clearing; in the interest of safety; I elected to use my authority and land. In my opinion and in the interest of safety I elected for the safest course of action. I should also add; within 2 seconds after touchdown; the regional jet announced clear of runway.
A MD-82 Captain dispatched with wing tank fuel only because of center tank pump MEL; decided to bypass a fuel stop and upon arrival at the final destination declared minimum fuel then rejected the Tower's go-around command with traffic exiting the runway.