Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 6400; Flight Crew Type 2800
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical; Ground Incursion Runway
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
[I] was cleared for takeoff on Runway 4 at Caldwell Airport; NJ (CDW). [I] crossed the east side hold line and made a final check of the Runway 4 final approach. [I] and rear seat passenger spotted [a] low-wing [aircraft] on very short final. Aircraft X stopped immediately just past the hold line to avoid a potential collision with the landing [aircraft]. Pilot of [landing aircraft] advised ATC that they had just cleared [my aircraft] for takeoff while [they were] still on short final. ATC responded requesting [me] to hold position and apologized for the error. [Landing aircraft] executed a go-around procedure and [I] was subsequently released for takeoff.A classic low-wing/high-wing landing collision was avoided by making the final landing zone check prior to entering the runway takeoff area.
C172 pilot was cleared for takeoff and noticed another aircraft on final approach to the same runway. ATC reportedly apologized for the error.