Air carrier flight crew reported the tow bar broke during pushback. Captain applied brakes and aircraft was towed back to gate for maintenance inspection.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported the tow bar broke during pushback. Captain applied brakes and aircraft was towed back to gate for maintenance inspection.
Narrative
Pneumatic airstart on number 1 (left) engine required at gate due to APU Bleed MEL. First start unsuccessful due to low aircart pressure. Replaced aircart; which led to a successful pneumatic airstart. Extended pushback clearance received and conveyed to ground crew. Pushback was conducted with the number 1 engine operating in idle and was normal until the push tractor encountered ice on the pavement. From the flight deck; it appeared that the push crew stopped the push; and then maneuvered us forward. While the aircraft was moving forward; the push driver commanded 'Breakaway; breakaway; breakaway' over the flight interphone. I immediately depressed the brakes; set the parking brake; verified with the FO; and informed the push crew. I confirmed everyone was safe and unhurt. I was not aware of what actually occurred on the ramp; however; we noticed approximately a dozen people approaching the front of the aircraft. I told the driver to keep everyone away from the operating engine. He stated that we were clear. I asked the FO to coordinate with ramp tower and let them know we were unable to move from our current location. I then verified that our APU was providing electrical power. I realized that if I secured the number 1 engine; we would not be able to restart without an aircart. Within a short timeframe (a few minutes?); I heard another voice over the interphone. He stated he was from maintenance and asked me to secure the #1 engine; which I immediately did. I briefed the cabin crew and passengers. Airport Ops found another tow bar and replaced what turned out to be a broken tow bar and secured it to our aircraft. We were towed back to the gate. We completed our checklists and I asked for a face-to-face briefing with maintenance. I brought the FO with me so we could see the photos and video of what occurred on the ramp.
Second reporter narrative
Cleared for extended pushback from the gate in ZZZ. APU Bleed was INOP so we had engine 1 running at idle per procedure. Pushback seemed normal. We noted an area of ice on the ramp just prior to stopping. The aircraft stopped briefly and then began slowly moving forward. I wondered why we were being towed forward again; but before we could query the tug operator; he stated 'Breakaway; breakaway!' The CA applied the brakes and the aircraft came to a quick stop. We asked the tug driver if he was OK; and he stated that everyone was safe on the ground. CA and I then started discussing the forthcoming procedures such as a logbook maintenance write up; and a call to Maintenance believing it was a simple towbar failure that would be inspected quickly before we continued our flight. We then noticed lots of ground personnel coming to the airplane and that they were all taking pictures. CA told tug driver to maintain vigilance since the engine was still running. He replied he would and a few minutes later suggested we shut the engine down. CA and I had a brief discussion about the ramifications of shutting the engine down; since we would need another air start; which would require moving the aircraft that was now disabled. Quickly conferred with station Maintenance and they requested ENG 1 be shut down as well. We shut down the engine; maintained communication with ground crew; ops; Maintenance and Ramp. The aircraft was then towed uneventfully to the gate where passengers deplaned. No injuries onboard or on the ground. No damage to the fuselage or engines.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.