FFF wrote
I don't think that would apply here, since low-flying rules don't apply when you're making an approach to land. It's not unusual to get a clearance very late (even though it's unusual to be ignored until this point), so I think strake would have been quite justified in continuing his approach as normal, with the expectation of being cleared to land. Interesting to hear what other think on this one, though - as you say, certainly doesn't harm to do things by the book if matters are going to be taken further.
Just to take a diiferent slant. In a situation where a controller knows that the runway is going to be occupied when a go-around is going to be executed i.e. it has been requested from an instrument approach or aircraft in the circuit, then the procedure is to issue a go-around instruction which includes a restriction to 400 feet or above the threshold elevation. While this is 100 feet lower than the 500 foot rule I believe it has its origins there. Rule 5 states the rule does not apply to landing and take off in accordance with normal aviation practises and it is my opinion that flying to within 50 feet or so of a vehicle or personnel is not 'normal aviation practise'.
Obviously in situations where the preceding aircraft is slow to depart or vacate the runway this procedure can not always apply and the go-around my be initiated from a lower level, but at an aerodrome with full ATC this will be in a 'controlled environment'.
AussiAndy also said that being VFR you should be able to see any obstruction on the runway. Don't you believe it. You may have read an article that occurred at the weekend in Brazil. A pilot put down on a disued airfield which is now used as a park by local people and manager to kill a woman out walking. Also I know of an incident where a pilot mistakenly made an approach to the wrong airfield and it was only when over the threshold it became apparent that the runway was closed and occupied by a number of maintainance vehicles. Apparently the workmen scattering was like something out of Benny Hill only a little more serious.