Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 270; Flight Crew Total 21500; Flight Crew Type 3500
Ground Event / Encounter Vehicle
General Release Refused / Aircraft Not Accepted; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Company Policy; Procedure; Aircraft
Ten minutes prior to departure the tug slammed the aircraft violently backward to the point I thought we had been in a severe car accident!! After recovering from the trauma I went down to see if any one was hurt in the tug. I was told it was a runaway tug. We inspected aircraft for damage. A company Maintenance Supervisor told me it was no big deal. I told him I begged to differ as I felt whiplash from the violent slamming. I also took video with my cell phone to give to my attorney to show how far off the mark we were pushed [by the impact]. I also contacted the Duty Manager as I was concerned about possible injuries to passengers; none have been reported to me at this time. We got an inspection done by Maintenance and continued on to destination.It amazes me the way our management is so cavalier in their approach to other employees' safety. This was a violent crash and to be told by a 'supervisor' who was not even on board that it was no big deal reminds me of the fact that safety at [our reorganized company] takes a back seat!
While the reporter/Captain was in the cockpit preparing the A319 for departure; the aircraft was struck violently by a 'runaway tug.' A Maintenance Manager declared the event to have been 'no big deal' although he was not present when it occured. The reporter disagreed and had a maintenance inspection performed prior to accepting the aircraft for a revenue flight.