Narrative:

I was working ground control and had recently taken the position from the previous controller. I overheard the local controller tell a C182 to exit runway xxl at runway yy and cross runway xxr. I scanned and saw a C172 on runway xxr at taxi speed and believed at first that aircraft had just landed. However; I then saw the C172 start increasing speed and turned to the local controller and asked him what the aircraft on runway xxr was doing. Immediately; it sounded like local controller tried to cancel the clearance for the departing C172; but that aircraft did not respond. Local controller then said; 'I don't remember who that is;' pointing to the C182 on runway yy. I responded; 'is that the C182? I think it's the C182.' local controller immediately told the C182 to hold short; and the pilot responded and stopped. I believe the C182 stopped past the hold bars for runway xxr; but was clear of the white runway edge line. The C172 continued his departure and crossed in front of the C182. After the C172 passed runway yy; local controller instructed the C182 to cross runway xxr and contact ground control. This is an event that illustrates the importance of scanning; awareness; and the tower team concept. We may not always be able to prevent a loss of separation from occurring; but by speaking up and helping each other we can mitigate the severity of such an error. But some controllers are more willing than others to accept advice and suggestions from coworkers. Today; I was very thankful that I was working alongside someone who was willing to listen to my warning when I spoke up without getting defensive; realized there was a problem; and then took corrective action to correct the situation. Further; following this incident; position relief was not immediately available. Yet; despite the seriousness of this event; the controller involved performed commendably after the incident by continuing to safely and efficiently work moderate traffic until another controller could relieve him.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Ground Controller described a developing conflict event when the Local Controller issued a takeoff clearance with traffic about to cross the departure runway down field. The reporter listed good teamwork among the Tower controllers as the primary preventative action.

Narrative: I was working Ground Control and had recently taken the position from the previous Controller. I overheard the Local Controller tell a C182 to exit Runway XXL at Runway YY and cross Runway XXR. I scanned and saw a C172 on Runway XXR at taxi speed and believed at first that aircraft had just landed. However; I then saw the C172 start increasing speed and turned to the Local Controller and asked him what the aircraft on Runway XXR was doing. Immediately; it sounded like Local Controller tried to cancel the clearance for the departing C172; but that aircraft did not respond. Local Controller then said; 'I don't remember who that is;' pointing to the C182 on Runway YY. I responded; 'Is that the C182? I think it's the C182.' Local Controller immediately told the C182 to hold short; and the pilot responded and stopped. I believe the C182 stopped past the hold bars for Runway XXR; but was clear of the white runway edge line. The C172 continued his departure and crossed in front of the C182. After the C172 passed Runway YY; Local Controller instructed the C182 to cross Runway XXR and contact Ground Control. This is an event that illustrates the importance of scanning; awareness; and the Tower team concept. We may not always be able to prevent a loss of separation from occurring; but by speaking up and helping each other we can mitigate the severity of such an error. But some controllers are more willing than others to accept advice and suggestions from coworkers. Today; I was very thankful that I was working alongside someone who was willing to listen to my warning when I spoke up without getting defensive; realized there was a problem; and then took corrective action to correct the situation. Further; following this incident; position relief was not immediately available. Yet; despite the seriousness of this event; the Controller involved performed commendably after the incident by continuing to safely and efficiently work moderate traffic until another Controller could relieve him.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.