Air Carrier flight crew flying a B737-700 aircraft reported the aircraft contacted a building structure during pushback.
Synopsis
Air Carrier flight crew flying a B737-700 aircraft reported the aircraft contacted a building structure during pushback.
Narrative
On the pushback from Gate XX at ZZZ; Push Crew brought aircraft into contact with a building behind the aircraft. At the time of the event; weather conditions were moderate to heavy rain and 1 1/2 miles visibility. Lighting was poor. Just after the commencement of push; the aircraft came to a sudden and shuddering stop. I asked the Crew if everything was OK; and on the second inquiry received a response of; 'Did I hit it?' Barely visible from the flight deck; due to rain; beaded and running water on the side window; and lighting conditions; I could just see that the left winglet and lower strake had collided with a building behind the aircraft. After proper documentation by Operations and the Airport; the aircraft was returned; by tug; to the gate.Conditions were poor most of the morning; with heavy rain over a fairly compressed time period. Lighting and visibility was not optimal. I had performed the walkaround prior to flight and found it difficult to look up without getting soaked. Consequently; I was very wet and uncomfortable afterwards. I believe that the heavy rain may have prevented the Wing Walker from properly looking up at the wing clearance. Additionally; the drain for the ramp is located behind this gate. As a consequence; large amounts of water were running behind the aircraft and forming large; very deep puddles. This too; could have been a contributor to the Wing Walker's attention. I found myself having to be very careful where I stepped; so as not to step in deep puddle (some as deep as approximately two inches or more at the time).The layout of the building behind this gate may also have been a contributing factor. The portion of the building that was struck lacks contrast to another hangar located next to and connecting to it; but sits much further back. Poor lighting; rain; and lack of visual cues may have contributed to the Tug Driver not noticing the proximity of the structure; with the possible absence of Wing Walker warnings.It should be noted that I have no knowledge of any possible Wing Walker/Tug Driver communication; warnings; or lack thereof. I can only speculate and point out possible contributing factors based on my own experience of the outside conditions and observations. It is my hope that with my observations; as well as the reports from the Ground Personnel; that appropriate safeguards can be reached if necessary.
Second reporter narrative
Very shortly after the Ground Crew started the pushback process; we came to an abrupt stop with a jolt. I initially thought that the Ground Crew had jackknifed the tug somehow. After the Captain queried the Ground Crew and got indications that the aircraft might have hit something; he informed me that the aircraft's left winglet and strake had been pushed into and came in contact with a hangar. At the Captain's direction; I talked with the Flight Attendants (FA) and verified that the Crew and Passengers were all okay.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.