Ramp worker observed a near miss between an aircraft pushing back from a gate onto a taxiway where there were two other aircraft taxiing. The ramp worker observer told the pushback crew to maneuver away from the taxiway to avoid another aircraft coming on the taxiway.
Synopsis
Ramp worker observed a near miss between an aircraft pushing back from a gate onto a taxiway where there were two other aircraft taxiing. The ramp worker observer told the pushback crew to maneuver away from the taxiway to avoid another aircraft coming on the taxiway.
Narrative
While stopped and waiting for the Push at [gate] XX; I noticed a potential conflict in aircraft movement. Aircraft X at XX had started the push with no wing walkers. I was very surprised at this. While stopped and observing; I noticed a aircraft on taxiway 'B' stopped and waiting to go into the alley and gate. I was alarmed by Aircraft Y on taxiway 'A' coming towards the push out of gate XX. It did not appear the wing walkers were going to stop the push process. At a certain point I start to wail on the Car horn to get the left-wing walkers' attention of the danger. Trying to direct both wing walkers' attention on the left wing with the horn and pointing towards the conflict. Eventually ramp spotted the potential and give the stop signal. It appears the tug driver did not see the signal and continued the push for a time with an eventual stop. I witnessed the wing tip of passing Aircraft Y miss the tail of Aircraft Z push by only a few feet. After Aircraft Y passing and another aircraft coming down taxiway 'A'; this time Aircraft A. Taxiway 'B' was still occupied by the earlier aircraft. It was clear Aircraft A was going to use 'A'; same as Aircraft Y. I then exited the vehicle to tell the wing walker of the next potential hazard with Aircraft A. Seeing no decision being made by the ramp crew; I started to direct the ramp crew to get Aircraft Z off of the taxiway to give clearance for Aircraft A passage on 'A'. With the tail now clear and abeam the Vehicle Service Road (VSR); it looked visually passable by Aircraft A. With this immediate threat passed; I when to the Push Tug driver to have a conversation of what I saw. I should have had help from Aircraft Y's crew by seeing and avoiding the potential collision by STOPPING. I know the crew was aware; The FO was clearly looking and alarmed.Suggestions: After reflecting on the situation; I realize there was more I could have done to prevent the potential collision. I should have exited my vehicle sooner to stop Aircraft Y from passing until Aircraft Z had safely retreated back into the gate. While I considered driving into Taxiway 'A' to physically block the Aircraft Y; this would have resulted in a movement area incursion; which--even in an effort to prevent an accident--would have created another safety concern. I believe this incident presents a valuable teachable opportunity; and I would like to see a complete debriefing and follow-up by all parties involved. A thorough review can ensure that all aspects of the situation are addressed and that we reinforce the importance of communication and safety protocols moving forward. Involving Airfield Safety in the debrief would also help provide valuable insights and oversight.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.