Incident Description
On September 27, 2019, at Wrocław Airport (EPWR), two Boeing 737-800 aircraft, registered SP-RST and SP-RSV, were involved in an incident on apron 2, near taxiway B. SP-RSV received clearance for pushback from stand 10 and subsequently to taxi via taxiways B and C to runway 11. While SP-RSV was taxiing, the tower controller issued a pushback and start clearance for SP-RST, which was parked at stand 4.
During the initial radio communication, the crew of SP-RST reported their stand number in a manner that could have been interpreted by the tower controller as stand 14. The controller was convinced that the aircraft was on stand 14 and did not request confirmation of this information.
As SP-RST prepared to push back, its crew observed the taxiing SP-RSV and reported this to the tower controller. The controller then inquired about SP-RST's stand number, revoked the pushback and start clearance, and waited until SP-RSV had passed. After SP-RSV had taxied clear, the controller reissued the pushback and start clearance for SP-RST at stand 4.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the incident was the issuance by the tower controller of a pushback and start clearance for SP-RST based on a mistaken belief as to the number of the parking stand occupied by the aircraft.
Contributing Circumstances
A contributing circumstance was a misunderstanding regarding the parking stand number occupied by SP-RST during radio communication.
Corrective Actions
No corrective actions or safety recommendations were formulated by the investigation authority.