2025-05 · NASA ASRS report 2245641
Ramp agent reported a ground conflict with another aircraft while reposition towing an aircraft on a taxiway under ATC control. The tow operator stopped the tow upon observing the other aircraft turning onto the taxiway was in close proximity to the towed aircraft; and to maintain separation between the aircraft.
Incident occurred during tow operations prior to flight; Aircraft X. RDU Ground Tower had given tow team clearance to taxi via Foxtrot/Delta/Bravo. While we were on Foxtrot traveling south; approaching Delta; RDU Ground gave clearance to Aircraft Y clearance to taxi northbound Foxtrot/Charlie/Bravo. I listened to the radio to see if there were anymore instructions; but none given. The push tractor driver made note of the other airplane coming towards us and mentioned it. He slowed the tow and stopped; we were partially on Taxiway Charlie. The RDU Ground Tower then told us to hold our position. The Aircraft Y continued their taxi and turned from Foxtrot onto Charlie; the wing tip was probably within 10-20 feet from our push tractor. The other airplane had would not have been able to make the turn without hitting us if it hadn't been for the agent's stopping. When Aircraft Y had made the turn and taxied onto Bravo the RDU Ground Tower then cleared us to proceed and the rest of the tow occurred without incident.
At XA:21 Person A and myself were towing aircraft Aircraft X to [gate] XX. We were cleared onto foxtrot; delta; bravo. I proceed with the following instructions that is given with no further instruction. Once on foxtrot; Aircraft Y was approaching T6; Person A and I are at Charlie slowly passing as I noticed Aircraft Y wasn't stopping. I informed Person A what I was seeing and proceeded to start slowing down then fully stopping a little past Charlie marker on foxtrot. Just for Aircraft Y to do a near pass from foxtrot to Charlie then bravo; the aircraft wing was about 10 feet if not closer to the push tractor. While stopped I thought it was a good idea to get a video of the situation. (I was not on my device before or after the making of the video) Person A and I reported the issue after completion of the tow.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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