SF 340B
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Airport; Airspace Structure; Procedure; Human Factors; Company Policy
Freeport Approach instructed me to descend to 1;600 feet and then cleared me for the VOR 24 Z Approach and to contact Freeport Tower. Approaching the VOR for the outbound leg; Tower cleared another aircraft for departure on Runway 24. At approximately 3 miles from the VOR the 'traffic' alert sounded. I asked the position of the departing traffic and the Tower Controller said 'no factor.' The departing traffic said 'it would have been nice if they were informed about the possible conflicting traffic and that they almost got a heart attack.' I continued the approach and landed safely. After landing I asked why it was necessary to launch an aircraft into my approach path considering we were the only aircraft in the area. Tower advised me that I should have been at 2;000 feet. Tower control had no communication with approach that I was cleared to 1;600 feet and to commence the approach. I insist on better communication between Approach and Tower Control in Freeport.
Saab 340 pilot reported the Tower cleared an aircraft for takeoff resulting in a conflict with them as they were conducting an approach.