An A320 Crew reported that following a difficult tow bar removal; the tug driver failed to ask the Captain to set the parking brake and the aircraft with engines running rolled over the tow bar. The aircraft was damaged.
Synopsis
An A320 Crew reported that following a difficult tow bar removal; the tug driver failed to ask the Captain to set the parking brake and the aircraft with engines running rolled over the tow bar. The aircraft was damaged.
Narrative
On pushback; after setting the brakes; the Tug Driver indicated they were having some difficulty disconnecting the tow bar. He asked me to release the brakes so he could pull us forward to straighten us out. After setting the brakes again; he indicated they were still unable to disconnect the tow bar. By this time; both engines were running at idle thrust. He asked if I would again release the brakes so he could push us back a few feet and try again. Prior to releasing the brakes; I confirmed with the Tug Driver that he would make sure no one attempted to remove the tow bar prior to verifying with me that the brakes were once again set. I specifically asked the question because of the multiple failed attempts already made to disconnect. He acknowledged my request and I released the brakes. He pushed us back approximately 3 feet and stopped. Almost immediately after the push stopped; the aircraft started to move forward. As I was unsure whether or not he was pulling us forward (he never indicated he was going to) or if the tow bar had come loose; I immediately stopped the aircraft and set the brakes. I believe we moved forward approximately one foot. As I was setting the brakes the Tug Driver instructed me to 'set brakes' and informed me the tow bar was stuck in between the tires. I asked him to explain exactly where the tow bar was stuck and he said it was actually jammed under the nose tires and he was unable to remove it. I phoned Maintenance Control who entered the item into the maintenance system and said he would call a Local Mechanic. Contract maintenance arrived at the aircraft approximately 15 minutes later and disassembled the tow bar in order to remove it from under the nose tires. Dis-assembly took approximately 30 minutes. After further discussion with Maintenance Control; it was determined that we needed to return to the gate for further inspection. It was later decided to ferry the aircraft without passengers for further inspection. Ferry flight was accomplished normally with no discrepancies noted.
Second reporter narrative
I was starting both engines on the pushback. I didn't hear the communications between the Captain and the push crew until the engines were started. I turned on the flight interphone when the push crew asked if we could release brakes so he could push us back a few feet and try to release the tow bar again. The Captain confirmed with the Tug Driver that he would make sure no one attempted to remove the tow bar prior to verifying that the brakes were set. He acknowledged the Captain's request and the Captain released the brakes. He pushed us back about 3 feet and stopped. Almost immediately after the push stopped; the aircraft started to move forward.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.