B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 33
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
Cleared for a Visual Approach to Runway 23R at IND; we intercepted the Localizer on an approximate 10 mile final. About six miles from the runway we were cleared to land by the Tower. We intercepted the glideslope to use a reference for the visual approach and completed the checklist and 1000-foot call outs. Shortly after the 1000-foot call; Tower cleared another aircraft approaching the hold short for 23R for takeoff. We could see the aircraft (I believe a B757) cross the hold short and enter the runway as we descended. At approximately 700-600 feet and before the B757 had turned down the runway heading; the Pilot Flying suggested; and the Pilot Monitoring directed; a go-around. We announced the go-around to Tower and they gave a clearance to fly runway heading and climb to 3000 feet. Climbing through 1000 feet AGL; Tower gave us a left turn to an easterly heading and switched us to Approach frequency. An uneventful landing to Runway 23L ensued. Closer attention by the Tower Controller to aircraft position relative to the airfield would have prevented this incident. Also the Crew of the B757 did not ensure final was clear before crossing the hold short line. Had this incident occurred in IMC the only thing to prevent a possible collision would be situational awareness through radio communications.
Inside 1000 feet AGL (approximately 750 feet) on Visual Approach to 23R; Tower cleared aircraft in the hold short for takeoff. As the aircraft took the runway; Pilot Flying recommended and Pilot Monitoring called for go-around (approximately 500 feet). Flight was vectored and executed a visual approach to landing on Runway 23L. Tower must give adequate separation between arriving and departing aircraft.
B737 flight crew was cleared for a visual approach to Runway 23R when the Tower also clears another aircraft for takeoff on the same runway. As the reporter's aircraft was descended through 700 feet; a go-around is initiated; and vectors received for a visual approach to Runway 23L.