Tug operator reported ready to pushback when the Crew Chief removed the headset and ended their shift and left the aircraft without wheel chocks. The tug driver identified the aircraft was not chocked; exited the tug; then aircraft moved and the tug driver quickly put chocks under the wheels without aircraft damage.
Synopsis
Tug operator reported ready to pushback when the Crew Chief removed the headset and ended their shift and left the aircraft without wheel chocks. The tug driver identified the aircraft was not chocked; exited the tug; then aircraft moved and the tug driver quickly put chocks under the wheels without aircraft damage.
Narrative
I was about to push the aircraft; communication was established between Captain and myself. I was just waiting for the pilot to tell me which direction to push. Suddenly; on my right side the manager showed up and told me not to push the aircraft because some missing bags.He told me to push the aircraft when he told me to; at the same time my Crew Chief and was about to go home. The Crew Chief just told me to disconnect headset and pin because he was ready to go. I just did what he asked me to do; he took off and the rest of the team followed him without putting the chocks to the aircraft. I stayed in the push tractor waiting for the next Crew Chief and the new pin. That's where I saw that the aircraft didn't have the chocks. I got off of the push tractor and the aircraft started to slightly move. I reacted quickly and put the chocks. (That's the wing walkers duty) and I did it.No aircraft; equipment damage.I saw aircraft move; I immediately place chocks to avoid aircraft to roll; avoid aircraft damage or equipment damage.Cause: The Crew Chief was about to leave instead of helping me secure the aircraft; he was trying to get his equipment to leave. The manager; came to the push tractor and told me to hold the push because of late / missing bags.Suggestions: The manager must have better communication with Crew Chiefs and not address to the crew just seconds away of pushing a plane.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.