Air carrier flight crew reported a critical ground conflict during taxi out. Captain stated that ATC clearance failed to separate traffic.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported a critical ground conflict during taxi out. Captain stated that ATC clearance failed to separate traffic.
Narrative
Push from [gate] XX facing north [taxiway] 1 at spot 1.Called ground for taxi. Taxi XXL/2 right turn 3" was the instruction. As we started taxi; ground advised us that Aircraft Y needed to get into [gate] 1 (phraseology was "Aircraft Y needs your spot"). We had already commenced taxi toward spot 1. No give way instructions issued by ground. As we looked to our left; Aircraft Y was taxiing east on Taxiway 3 at a very brisk pace. We abruptly stopped with the nose of our aircraft on the movement/non-movement line. From our perspective it appeared imminent that the right wingtip of Aircraft Y would pass dangerously close to our nose and fuselage. Aircraft Y did not slow down as they approached the lead in line to 1.Its rate of speed and relative movement appeared very threatening. I urgently transmitted in the blind on ramp frequency for Aircraft Y to "watch their right wingtip"!It was apparent that they did not hear me; and continued taxi at their rapid pace. Not sure if Aircraft Y was being taxied by a move team or actual pilots.From our sightline it was very hard to ascertain initially whether wing walkers were present. As I stretched my head to look out to the far right side window; I did notice a wing walker.The event was very alarming. In my opinion the taxi speed of the aircraft was inappropriately fast and potentially dangerous relative to the tight confines of the taxiway / ramp transition area. Reported incident to ramp controller. Told him it was a very ' close call'. Potential Resolutions -Better coordination from ground with instructions to issue proper give way instructions with appropriate terminology. Better coordination with ramp although we were already transferred from the ramp frequency to ground control. Task saturation with ground controller due to staffing?Move team and / or pilots taxiing the airplane should not have been taxiing so fast in such tight confines - the airplane never slowed down. Its pace was way too fast for coming into the gate lead in line."
Second reporter narrative
Pushed off [gate] XX for engine start. Received taxi clearance to XXL [taxiway] 1 via 2; hold short 1. as we started to move forward; Aircraft Y rounded corner at rapid taxi speed. I told the Line Check Airman (LCA) I did not think he was going to stop. We heard on radio; Aircraft Y needs your spot. I had stopped behind the ramp clearance line and set brakes even though we were NOT given any further guidance or told to stop. Aircraft Y turned into the gate we had just vacated with his wingtip alarmingly close to our flight deck and wing tip. We saw no wing walkers readily visible.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.