Tower Controller and flight crew described a ground conflict event where ATC cleared an arrival Air Carrier to cross a runway and then cleared an aircraft for takeoff from that same runway. The Air Carrier stopped after noting the departure.
Synopsis
Tower Controller and flight crew described a ground conflict event where ATC cleared an arrival Air Carrier to cross a runway and then cleared an aircraft for takeoff from that same runway. The Air Carrier stopped after noting the departure.
Narrative
VIP movement was about 15 minutes out. Everyone was preparing the airport for the arrival. In order to get a few more departures out we used Runway XXR for departures while landing on Runway XXC. As an assist; we watch over the Local Controller along with helping coordinate. Normally XXR is considered inactive unless needed. Seeing as we did need it; it was considered hot and Local Control owned the runway. Air Carrier X landed Runway XXC and was told to turn right on 'B' and cross Runway XXR; as he was halfway down the runway. Later aircraft Y was cleared for takeoff on Runway XXR. I was unsure if the Local Controller did in fact clear Air Carrier X to cross due to coordination with other employees on the VIP movement. Once I looked back to verify he was stopping; he had a good speed; so I told Local to verify he is stopping. Also; a Supervisor was plugged in for the VIP movement who had the same response; 'Make sure he is stopping.' Air Carrier X stopped on his own; so we thought the proper hold short was given. Air Carrier X informed us he was told to cross. If Air Carrier X did cross he would have been okay; but not by much. Runway XXR is usually inactive and by habit people are used to crossing it without thinking. Once it is hot; it can be hard to stray yourself from the norm; especially when traffic is high. I am unsure at the moment on how to prevent this; maybe hold short bar lights.
Second reporter narrative
[I] departed aircraft Y off Runway XXR. Air Carrier X landed on Runway XXC and told to turn right off Runway XXC and cross Runway XXR instead of hold short. Air Carrier X spotted the departure off Runway XXR and stopped short of runway. [I] was distracted by a helicopter; increased traffic; and pressure to clear up the airport before the VIP arrival.Recommendation; move the Local Control position to the north side of Tower for better view and less blind spots.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.