Air Carrier Pilots reported Ground Control was acting as both Ground and Clearance Delivery on the Ground Control frequency. The pilots were cleared to cross the runway and then told to immediately stop as a high wing single engine aircraft executed a missed approach and flew over them.
Synopsis
Air Carrier Pilots reported Ground Control was acting as both Ground and Clearance Delivery on the Ground Control frequency. The pilots were cleared to cross the runway and then told to immediately stop as a high wing single engine aircraft executed a missed approach and flew over them.
Narrative
As we called for pushback it became apparent that Ground Control was acting as both Ground and Clearance Delivery on the Ground Control frequency. There were numerous aircraft requesting; pushback; clearance and taxi. We were stepped on multiple times calling for and receiving pushback clearance. We were left on Ground Control frequency for our taxi; including crossing Runway XX and XYL for taxi to Runway XX at [Taxiway] 1 for takeoff. At approximately XX43Z; we were cleared to 'cross Runway XYL at [Taxiway] 4 and taxi to Runway XX via [Taxiway] 2 and [Taxiway] 3.' After read back of instructions; I then turned the strobe and wing lights on and upon hearing the Captain state; 'clear left'; I looked to my right; cleared the right side and stated 'clear right.' As we were about to cross the runway edge line (we had already crossed the hold short line); the Ground Controller stated '(Company) STOP' over Ground Control frequency.The Captain immediately slammed on the brakes bringing the aircraft to an abrupt stop. I immediately looked left to see a [single engine high wing aircraft] going around to avoid us. His altitude was less than 50 ft. as I saw him climbing out. Ground Control then stated 'oh good; they are going around to miss you.' Once it was apparent that we were not going to collide; Ground Control immediately re-cleared us to cross Runway XYL at [Taxiway] 4 and taxi via [Taxiway] 2 and [Taxiway] 3. I repeated the clearance and we proceeded to cross. About 10 seconds later; a different Ground Control voice told us to switch to Tower frequency. The Captain then called the FAs (flight attendant) to ensure no one was injured during the abrupt stop. One of our FAs was jostled into the bulkhead during the stop but no one was injured. We then proceeded to takeoff uneventfully. Air Traffic Controllers (including Ground Control) need to be handling one function at a time. While the regulations may allow for multiple frequency coverage and combining of functions (Ground and Clearance) it is apparent that they cannot do both well. Additionally; with a high volume of traffic at ZZZ; we should have been switched to Tower frequency for runway crossings to avoid a landing aircraft conflict with us taxiing.
Second reporter narrative
We pushed from Gate X at ZZZ and were given taxi instructions to taxi [Taxiway] 5 [Taxiway] 6 [Taxiway] 7 hold short of Runway XX. We complied. Further taxi instructions were issued to cross Runway XX and proceed [Taxiway] 8 to [Taxiway] 4 and hold short Runway XYL. We were in the process of complying when Ground issued us clearance to cross Runway XYL on [taxiway] 4 then taxi [Taxiway] 2 to [Taxiway] 3 for takeoff on Runway XX. I cleared left and the FO (first officer) cleared right. I did not see any traffic when I cleared my side. Once we began to cross the hold short at [Taxiway] 4 headed south; Ground Control said '(Company) STOP' and I abruptly applied brakes and stopped the aircraft with the nose just slightly over the runway side marking; at the same time I looked left to see a [single engine high wing aircraft] in the process of doing a go-around. Ground Control said at that moment 'oh good they are going around to miss you' the same Ground Controller then told us to complete the cross of Runway XYL; and then a different Controller got on the radio. The stop was very abrupt so I checked with the Flight Attendants to make sure they were okay. They reported that they were fine but may have bumped into stuff and possibly be bumped or bruised. I spoke to all of them in the jetway as they were deplaning and 1 reported no injury and two reported possible bruising. One on her left forearm and one reported on her buttocks. I don't believe anyone fell over; just were thrown forward and bumped into stuff. Ground frequency was very congested; the Controller was both Ground and clearance and very very busy. We were issued clearance to cross both runways by Ground Control and it probably should have been a switch to Tower to cross the runway to prevent this situation from happening.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.