ASRS 2095039

Reporter 1

I was a CPC-IT on Ground Control on west flow. After taking the position with my trainer, Aircraft X was issued [Runway] XXR at [Taxiway] 1 via [Taxiways] 2, 3 prior to me taking the position and had stopped on 2 for traffic on [Taxiway] 4. Shortly after Aircraft X reported that the severity of braking for traffic caused the injury of a flight attendant. I, along with my trainer, promptly relayed the information to the OS/CIC (Controller in Charge). Initially, the pilot's intentions were to return to the gate; however, the pilot later decided to continue taxi for departure, and departed without further incident. During and after this situation, there was debate as to whether or not the traffic on [Taxiway] 4 had the right of way due to them not being established in the "core". I am unaware as to whether or not a MOR was filed. On east flow, there is clear guidance on "right-of-way" traffic regarding to traffic both established in the core and established on an adjacent taxiway. On west flow, however, no such guidance exists. Mitigation of an event like this may warrant more clarity on the taxi flow plans, especially now due the construction projects in that area. This can be accomplished by adding "join behind" annotations on the west flow charts or, rather, removing the annotations from the east flow charts in order to return to the default aircraft established on a taxiway have right-of-way.

Reporter 2

My trainee wasn't on time so I took Ground Control myself to relieve the other controller in a timely fashion. I taxied several airplanes and then the trainee finally showed up. While I was giving him an abbreviated briefing since I retained the position the whole time I looked up and saw Aircraft X south on [Taxiway] 1 stopped at [Taxiway] 2 while a fast taxiing Aircraft Y went in front. The trainee then said "sorry they were supposed to give way, continue" Not correct, we/I missed the call. A couple transmissions later Aircraft X keyed up and said that when they stopped hard for the Aircraft Y a flight attendant got knocked over and was injured and they would need to return to the gate. I quickly overkeyed the trainee and told Aircraft X to go right on [Taxiway] 3 so that we could get them back quickly as opposed to them continuing in the line of departures and getting stuck. The trainee worked a couple of more planes before Aircraft X keyed up and said the flight attendant was actually ok and they were able to continue the flight. The trainee then resequenced them. Just before frequency change Aircraft X keyed up again (Captain I think, different voice) and asked if the Aircraft Y was supposed to have given way. I keyed up and said I am the trainer and no, that was our missed traffic call and my responsibility and I understand your frustration. I then shipped them to Tower. Immediately define who has right of way at that intersection. It should be Ground Control giving [Taxiway] 2 short of [Taxiway] 1 on initial contact and then evaluating as they get closer. The aircraft that use this route land [Runway] XXR and come all the way down [Taxiway] 4 to [Taxiway] 2 and tend be moving fast after a long taxi and being on a two mile straightaway. I think this event proves that this is a conflict point that needs to be addressed definitively. As it is right now the Aircraft Y was on [Taxiway] 2 was established and I owned the call and I accept responsibility for this event.