B757-200 flight crew reported two flight attendants suffered minor injuries during an abrupt stop on the ground when the Captain started to taxi without a salute from the pushback crew. Fatigue from lengthy delays and mental distraction from an earlier on board security threat contributed to the event.
Synopsis
B757-200 flight crew reported two flight attendants suffered minor injuries during an abrupt stop on the ground when the Captain started to taxi without a salute from the pushback crew. Fatigue from lengthy delays and mental distraction from an earlier on board security threat contributed to the event.
Narrative
Our day started out with a delay of about one hour due to flow into our destination. As we were waiting for our departure on the west end of the airport we had a serious security threat take place in the back of the airplane. After about a two hour delay dealing with flight attendants; Customer Service; Police; FBI; Flight Operations; an In-Flight Supervisor; and Security we proceeded to our first stop and then to fly flight coast to coast. After we landed the First Officer and I talked about how worn out and fatigued we were; but decided to continue.After a normal pushback from the gate I proceeded to taxi without a salute from the pushback crew. Just as I pushed the power up and started moving the First Officer saw the tow vehicle pulling back from the airplane. I stopped the airplane abruptly; set the parking brake and waited for a salute. After receiving a salute we taxied to the hold spot and set the brakes. As we were waiting I called the Lead Flight Attendant to see if everyone was OK after the sudden stop. She said everyone was OK; but that she did bump her shoulder against the forward closet; adding that she was fine. We proceeded to taxi to the runway and take off.Approximately one hour before landing the Lead Flight Attendant called to inform me that a Flight Attendant working in coach had twisted her back while standing in the aisle during the sudden stop after push back. She informed me that a total of two flight attendants were going to file a report. There is no doubt that fatigue played a major role in the breakdown of SOPs. Another contributing factor was that I was still distracted thinking about the earlier security threat during our pushback on this last leg.
Second reporter narrative
After a long and taxing morning dealing with a security threat and eventual return to gate; we pushed off the gate again and started engines IAW ground crew clearance. As I was reaching in my flight bag with my head down; I heard the engines spooling up. I immediately sat up and looked out the front window and saw the tug pulling away from us. I exclaimed;'WHOA; WHOA; WHOA!' and simultaneously applied the brakes along with the Captain. The aircraft stopped immediately; well clear of ground equipment and crew. We had started the taxi without a release from our pushback crew. We set the parking brake and sat on the ramp reflecting on the situation. It was clear the crew was suffering through some degree of fatigue and/or distraction from our taxing experience that morning. We then discussed if we were fit to continue the flight. After several moments of clear thinking and discussion; we rededicated our focus and decided we could safely perform our tasks and get our passengers to their destination. I must say; that was probably one the safest flights I've been on. It is unfortunate that it took a departure from SOP to get that way. Clearly; the two and half hour melee of dealing with possible terrorist activity had dulled our effectiveness as professional aviators. A lesson has been learned: make certain you are capable of staying sharp and focused and commit extra effort to do so; or don't fly.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.