Ground Controller and pilots reported two different single engine aircraft from the same flight school were cleared to cross the active runway to their ramp by ATC. The first aircraft continued to hold short stating to the controller there was an aircraft landing. The controller again cleared both aircraft to cross. The first and second aircraft maintain another aircraft was landing. The controller states the approaching aircraft was executing a low approach with a restricted altitude.
Synopsis
Ground Controller and pilots reported two different single engine aircraft from the same flight school were cleared to cross the active runway to their ramp by ATC. The first aircraft continued to hold short stating to the controller there was an aircraft landing. The controller again cleared both aircraft to cross. The first and second aircraft maintain another aircraft was landing. The controller states the approaching aircraft was executing a low approach with a restricted altitude.
Narrative
Both of the flight school aircraft (Aircraft X and aircraft Y); were holding short of Runway XX on Taxiway XX. Ground cleared Aircraft X to cross Runway XX while a single engine aircraft was flaring over the numbers of Runway XX. Aircraft X responded that they would not cross due to landing traffic. Ground responded with attitude; asking Aircraft X to confirm if they were at [Taxiway] XX and gave the clearance to cross again; with a harsher tone. He also told Aircraft Y to follow their company to parking; all while the SE (single engine) aircraft was still accelerating after their touch and go. Both flight school aircraft questioned the crossing clearance to acknowledge the instruction; but continued holding short due to the traffic conflict which did not rotate until Taxiway XY. Had the flight school aircraft began to cross; we believe it would have resulted in a collision between Aircraft X and the Archer. After the Archer had safely rotated; both Aircraft X and Y crossed the runway without incident and continued taxiing to parking. While Aircraft X was making the turn onto [Taxiway] XZ from Taxiway XY; the Controller called and said harshly 'Aircraft X be advised that traffic was an altitude restricted low approach only.' Aircraft X responded with 'roger' and continued taxiing. This is incorrect as all four pilots of Aircraft X and Y of the flight school confirmed that aircraft had indeed done a touch and go.
Second reporter narrative
Working Ground position and had two aircraft come off the active Runway XY and requested to head to parking. I issued taxi instructions to taxi to parking via Taxiway XZ-XX hold short [Runway] XX. When the aircraft appeared approached the hold short line I coordinated with the Local Controller. It was approved and I handed him memory aid which is a red flight strip holder and repeated his crossing instructions. When asked again by the pilot stating his position I confirmed he was approved to cross. At this time the pilot stated he was going to hold his position I check and noticed an aircraft was low approached above him over Runway XX. I went back and confirmed with Local Controller that it was okay to cross and then sounded confused when I pointed out the aircraft performing the low approach and said he cleared him for Runway XY. Then he came back and said oh I cleared him for Low Approached ALT (altitude) restricted so it was fine. I restated to the pilot that the aircraft that just overflew him was alt restricted low approach. Assured that this was okay by the CIC Local Controller I did not go any further with reporting the situation to management or the person in charge of the facility. I was made aware of the incident and was able to listen to what happen by the Training Lead at ZZZ Tower. After this incident has been brought to light I feel that all coordination should be done on the recorded line to cover everyone. The physical memory aid red flight strip was just one layer but does not document anywhere that the coordination took place.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.