A B757 Captain failed to release the ground crew after pushback and began taxiing with the towbar and tug attached.
Synopsis
A B757 Captain failed to release the ground crew after pushback and began taxiing with the towbar and tug attached.
Narrative
We called for pushback from gate and had to wait a while for traffic to clear before pushing. After pushback was complete; I set the parking brake upon request from push crew. My Co-pilot and I were discussing the possibility of a 180 turn for a shorter taxi; as there was traffic in the ramp area on the standard ramp exit route. Approximately 7 minutes elapsed waiting for the traffic to clear; at which time we called ramp for taxi clearance; and asked about the possibility of a 180; which wasn't granted by ramp. We started to move forward; and felt the bump of the towbar as soon as we started to move. Plane was stopped; then the ground crew called and asked us if the brakes were set. I had forgotten that I hadn't received the salute and release; and hadn't communicated with the push crew since setting the parking brake. I had looked over the nose to make sure we were clear; but the small tug wasn't visible from the cockpit. I had flight interphone on all the time; and don't know why push crew never called for disconnect; although I know I am fully responsible for the incident. I had short term memory failure by not remembering I hadn't received the salute and release. This was our 2nd leg of the day; with an early wake-up call. I was feeling more tired than usual with seasonal allergies. There were no injuries and no damage.
Second reporter narrative
After short pushback; normal engine start; flap setting and checking of controls; Captain directed; 'Taxi Clearance.' I called for and received clearance to taxi. At captain suggestion; I asked ramp if a 180 turn was available for a shorter taxi. Negative. 'Cleared to taxi around to spot XX.' I announced. Captain released brakes. Simultaneously; I heard a strange noise from the nose gear area; my mind flashed to 'Did I hear Salute and Release?' My feet went for the brakes; and I asked (OK; yelled); 'are they gone?' while leaning forward to try to see under the nose cone. I could not see a tug or personnel. Unfortunately; they were not 'gone' Captain immediately set the brakes and called down to the ground. Ramp responded that no one was hurt and there was no damage. Normal taxi out and flight followed.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.