PA-31 Navajo/Chieftan/Mojave/T1040
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Confusion; Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure
I was working Local Control and a Navajo was landing Runway 2L. A King Air called ready to go on Runway 2L. Since I had traffic on short final; I really didn't scan to see where the aircraft was; I just issued the appropriate 'hold short' instructions and the pilot of the King Air correctly read back the 'hold short' instructions and then said 'I see the aircraft landing'. When the Navajo was in the flare; I started scanning near the approach end of the runway for the Lifeguard King Air; but could not see him. I even said to Ground that I could not see the King Air; she said 'right there between Golf and Hotel' and since my Navajo was approaching Hotel Taxiway; I told the King Air 'Runway 2 left; line up and wait.'  Well; the King Air was at Bravo Taxiway and the Ground Controller thought I could not see my Navajo that was landing. I immediately saw the King Air at Bravo Taxiway and he started to move towards the runway. At the same time; I observed the Navajo at what I would estimate as a taxi speed and I immediately told the Navajo to 'hold short of Bravo Taxiway' (got acknowledgement) and then cleared the King Air for take off on Runway 2L. The flight progress strip that Ground Controller put on my strip-board had marked Bravo Intersection on the strip; but not in the place I was expecting. I shouldn't trust the Ground Controller to point out my aircraft; if I do not physically see the departure waiting; don't clear them. I relied on the Ground Controller's understanding of what I was asking too much.
Tower Controller described a near ground conflict event when; relying on input from the Ground Controller; the reporter issued a 'line and wait' clearance.