Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the ground crew to follow procedures/directives requiring that the airplane brakes be set before disconnecting the tow bar from the airplane.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After pushback, with all engines operating and the airplane brakes applied, the ground crew reported difficulty disconnecting the tow bar from the airplane. The flightcrew released the brakes at the request of the ground crew, and the tow bar was disconnected first from the airplane then the tug. While the ground crewmember was reconnecting the tow bar to the tug, he observed the airplane moving forward and advised the captain to apply the airplane brakes. The airplane then collided with the tug.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 5, 1995, about 2110 eastern daylight time, a Boeing 727-264, N764AT, operated by American Trans Air, collided with a tug while on the ramp at the Orlando International Airport, Orlando, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an IFR flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 121 domestic, scheduled, passenger flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the flightcrew of 3, cabin crew of 4 and 158 passengers were not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The flight and ground crews stated that during the pushback from the gate all engines were started. The airplane was stopped and the brakes were applied during which the ground crew reported difficulty disconnecting the tow bar from the airplane. The flightcrew stated that the brakes were released at the request of the ground crew who then disconnected the tow bar first from the tug then from the airplane. While the ground crewmember was reconnecting the tow bar to the tug, he observed the airplane moving forward and advised the captain to apply the brakes. The airplane then collided with the tug. -