PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert
Human Factors
I was receiving a position brief in the Local Control position and the airport was in a west operation. Runways XXL/XXR and [Runway] YY were the runaways in use. Ground had control of Runway YY for crossings and Taxiing. Just prior to the brief I heard the Ground Controller issue taxi instructions to a Cessna for a Runway XXL Departure via Delta crossing Runway YY. Almost immediately the Local Controller requested Runway YY for an arrival on Runway YY. Ground gave Local the runway and took the 'all runways to local' RID he placed it on the console at his position. Ground immediately amended the instructions for a Cessna to 'hold short of Runway YY.' Local began briefing me in accordance with the checklist and had 6-8 aircraft doing pattern work to all both parallel runways as well as a Piper on final for [Runway] YY. As the outgoing controller was clearing an aircraft for takeoff on Runway XXL; I saw an aircraft I had not heard discussed crossing the hold short line north of Runway YY at Echo Taxiway. I alerted the outgoing Controller and he stopped his transmission to the aircraft at Runway XXL and advised the Piper of the incursion ahead. Ground first read the Cessna's call sign and then corrected it to 'C172; hold short.' The Piper and the Cessna came to rest approximately 20-30 FT apart at a nearly right angle; one on the centerline and one perpendicular to it. The Piper and the Cessna both used Echo to the ramp as Piper had passed it on his pull out. The Ground Controller stated 'I forgot I had two aircraft; I never held him short.' Both pilots were following instructions correctly at the time of the incident. The Ground Controller in this case has been reported in past for the exact same type of scenario; crossing a runway without permission. I am concerned for this Controller's cavalier disregard of LOCAL and FAA procedures. I am aware of at least 4 runway incursions since February of this year.
Ground Controller failed to instruct an aircraft to hold short of an active runway in which an aircraft was landing. I was working the Local Control position and observed the aircraft cross the runway in front of the landing aircraft. Have Ground Controller follow proper procedures.
Tower Local Controller described a potential ground conflict event when the Ground Controller failed to issue appropriate taxi instructions. The reporter claimed the Ground Controller has erred on many occasions.