SR22
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 40; Flight Crew Total 650; Flight Crew Type 550
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
I was on a less than 1 mile final when I heard the tower clear another aircraft holding short of the same runway for takeoff. At first I thought I was surely mistaken but when I saw the other aircraft start his roll; I reminded tower that I was on short final. He asked me to go around or do a 360. Since going around could have potentially put me over the runway; I chose to do a 360. At this point I was perhaps 200-300 feet AGL and obviously with full flaps. Fortunately I was able apply full power and perform the 360 all the while just above stall speeds and barely clearing tree tops. My wife was quite panicked and I have to say that I wasn't too excited about it either especially with both of my kids in the back. Of course I got nothing of an apology or otherwise from the tower controller.
The pilot of a Cirrus SR22 on final approach was surprised to hear ATC clear another aircraft for takeoff. When questioned; ATC requested that the aircraft on approach go-around or perform a 360 degree turn.