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A sfo local tower controller reported clearing an aircraft for takeoff. Local assist questioned the controller and pointed to an arrival aircraft. Local then cancelled the takeoff clearance and let the aircraft land. The reporter stated distraction related to similar looking call signs of aircraft on final contributed to the event.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1310405 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201511 |
| Local Time Of Day | 1801-2400 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | SFO.Airport |
| State Reference | CA |
| Environment | |
| Light | Night |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | Large Transport |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 121 |
| Flight Phase | Taxi |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Aircraft 2 | |
| Make Model Name | Medium Large Transport |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 121 |
| Flight Phase | Final Approach |
| Route In Use | Visual Approach |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Local |
| Qualification | Air Traffic Control Fully Certified |
| Experience | Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 15 |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | ATC Issue All Types Conflict Ground Conflict Less Severe Ground Incursion Runway |
Narrative:
I issued line up and wait to aircraft X runway 1 left. I do not recall if I said traffic landing both runway's 28 left and right; which I do as often as possible to keep myself abreast of the traffic as well as pilot expectation. When the runway 28 right arrival rolled through; I cleared aircraft X for take-off. The local assist calmly said you didn't clear them did you; as they pointed to aircraft Y over the approach lights. I cancelled aircraft X's take off clearance and received an immediate acknowledgement. Since I received the immediate acknowledgement and aircraft Y was still outside the threshold; I allowed aircraft Y to land. The front line manager said good job team.I have an idea why aircraft Y disappeared from my scan. I had just been discussing with my local assist the similar looking data blocks for the next two arrivals aircraft Z & aircraft a. I use every tool I can to not only maintain my situational awareness; but also those of my tower team and the pilots. I strive to be as accurate and complete as possible with every transmission make so that there is maximum benefit to the information exchange.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: A SFO Local Tower Controller reported clearing an aircraft for takeoff. Local Assist questioned the Controller and pointed to an arrival aircraft. Local then cancelled the takeoff clearance and let the aircraft land. The reporter stated distraction related to similar looking call signs of aircraft on final contributed to the event.
Narrative: I issued Line Up And Wait to Aircraft X Runway 1 Left. I do not recall if I said traffic landing both Runway's 28 Left and Right; which I do as often as possible to keep myself abreast of the traffic as well as pilot expectation. When the Runway 28 Right arrival rolled through; I cleared Aircraft X for take-off. The Local Assist calmly said you didn't clear them did you; as they pointed to Aircraft Y over the approach lights. I cancelled Aircraft X's take off clearance and received an immediate acknowledgement. Since I received the immediate acknowledgement and Aircraft Y was still outside the threshold; I allowed Aircraft Y to land. The Front Line Manager said good job team.I have an idea why Aircraft Y disappeared from my scan. I had just been discussing with my Local Assist the similar looking data blocks for the next two arrivals Aircraft Z & Aircraft A. I use every tool I can to not only maintain my situational awareness; but also those of my tower team and the pilots. I strive to be as accurate and complete as possible with every transmission make so that there is maximum benefit to the information exchange.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.