CRJ-900 flight crew reported a broken tow bar caused damage to a nose wheel and required replacement. The aircraft returned to the gate for maintenance action.
Synopsis
CRJ-900 flight crew reported a broken tow bar caused damage to a nose wheel and required replacement. The aircraft returned to the gate for maintenance action.
Narrative
We were pushing back from XX hardstand in ZZZ1. We were mid push on a mostly straight portion of the push; when during a slight curve; suddenly loud noises came from the tow bar; the airplane shook; the and the tug moved in a way that didn't make sense in relation to the airplane. The Tug Driver started frantically waving the set brakes signal (we had 1 way communication); and I stepped on the brakes a little harder than I intended; so the airplane lurched hard and stopped. The FO (First Officer) asked me if we should abort the engine start and I said yes. I made a quick PA that we had an issue with the tug; please remain seated; and the big lurch was from me stepping on the brakes. (NW steering was OFF and parking brake was not set during the push. It was one of the first things I checked) I advised the Ground Crew the brake was set and asked them what happened. They said the tow bar broke; and disconnected mid push. They also said the shear pin did not break; and that the piece of the tow bar that inserts into the wheel axle broke. They also said they did not see any damage to the airplane and that the tow did not impact the plane. I sent an ACARS to Maintenance Control and Dispatch. I decided that we should go back to the gate to inspect the airplane. While we waited for a new tow bar; initially I wanted to talk to Maintenance Control before getting towed back to the gate; but they were not reachable; so I elected to have the airplane towed without talking to them first. I talked to the FAs (flight Attendants) and confirmed that nobody was injured from the sudden stop. They said everyone was seated and fine. We coordinated with apron and Operations to get towed back into the gate. When we got back to the gate we found damage to the left nose wheel rim. It looked like the tow bar impacted the rim at some point and left a small less than 1 inch dent with a screw partially knocked out. It also may have knocked off a small rectangular piece and screw that was present on the right wheel but not on the left. The Ground Crew showed me a piece of the tow bar that was broken. It looked like a small dark grey cylindrical piece about 4 inch long that had cracked and snapped on one side. I eventually was able to get Maintenance Control on the phone; I texted them pictures; and they said the tire would have to be replaced. Fortunately there was a RON (Routine Overnight) aircraft; so we plane swapped and completed the flight.Apparently the portion of the tow bar (with the football goal post shape) failed; and the entire tow bar disconnected from the airplane and bounced around.Perhaps the tow bars could be inspected more carefully; and ensured that they are connected properly. It was also very difficult to get in communication with Maintenance Control. They said they were at the dark site so that may have had something to do with it. But they were not answering ACARS or picking up the phone in a somewhat urgent situation. It was 20-30 minutes after the tow bar initially broke till we finally got them on the phone.
Second reporter narrative
Pushing back off the Gate (XX) in ZZZ1; our plane disconnected from the tow bar/tug mid push. The Captain immediately stopped the aircraft with the brakes and set the parking brake. While this was happening; I had just begun to start the right engine seconds prior to the incident and aborted the start. The Captain informed the Flight attendants and Passengers we had experienced difficulties on the push back and he explained that he would keep them updated as more information came in. The Ground Personnel told us that the tow bar actually broke and that there was most likely some damage on the right side of the nose gear rim. We spoke with Apron and Operations explaining we needed Maintenance to take a look at the aircraft before moving the aircraft. Maintenance was delayed in showing up. Ground Personnel got set up with a new tow bar and a group decision was made to tow the aircraft back to the gate for inspection. Keep in mind both the Captain and I tried to get a hold of the Maintenance for permission to do this but we unable to do so. We ran a shutdown checklist (leaving seat belt signs on). Once we got back to the gate the Captain inspected the nose gear and confirmed there was damage on the rim. We worked together with Operations and Dispatch to arrange for a new aircraft. Once arrangements were made; we worked together with the Flight Attendants and explain to the passengers the new plan and express our apologies for the inconvenience. After the plane was completely de-boarded; we ran the secure checklist and made our way to the other aircraft. A worn down tow bar was ultimately the cause.
More incidents for this aircraft family →
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.