2024-01 · NASA ASRS report 2074532
Airport Ramp Controller cleared an aircraft to taxi into gate while another aircraft was obstructing the path causing the wing tips to collide.
During the busy XG00pm bank at ZZZ; I was working Ramp Control in the Tower. An Aircraft X was parked on gate 1. When a plane is parked on gate 1 no plane can park on gate 2. During the park Aircraft X was delayed and during the bank. I realized after my Trainer took over for me in the moment of the chaos. I was still in training. My Trainer looked up at the cameras and immediately notified management in the Control Center. During the bank as a Ramp Controller I approved the plane to proceed to park on their gate on 2 and they came in it clipped the wing off the Aircraft X on 1. The Docking Guidance System (DGS) brought the Aircraft Y in by itself with a plane blocking the gate. No wingwalkers were present. The jet bridge was on a hold position and moved back to the original place due to the incoming aircraft. Management was involved. Maintenance arrived at the gate and inspected both aircraft's which resulted in both planes going out of service. Me and my Trainer were pulled from our position for an investigation. Someone came and relieved both of us. Suggestion: Pilot should've been more aware that there was a Aircraft X wing on their gate. The DGS should've detected the plane next to it. Rampers should've been in position to meet the aircraft. The gate board should've realized you can't park a Aircraft Y narrow body with a Aircraft X widebody on gate 1.
Gate 1 had [Aircraft X] a widebody waiting to push. The Tower authorize narrow body Aircraft Y to park in gate 2 knowingly that may cause an the wings to collide. Coming out to chalk the plane on gate 2 I saw the wings coming in close proximity. I dropped the chalks and ran to try and throw up am X to the Captains with my forearms; but when the Co-pilot acknowledged me it seemed to be too late. Gate 2 having a widebody on gate 1 nextdoor shouldn't have permitted a plane to be brought in. Crew Chief on gate 2 alerted the Manager on duty. The plane however was never touched by the crew members gate 2. Suggestion: In my understanding First Officer (FO) is responsible to watch the wing and failed to do so; also poor communication from the Tower to permit a plane to come in with a widebody still next door.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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