B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Other / Unknown; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Ground Event / Encounter Object
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Maintenance Action; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Human Factors
During pushback; tug driver was having difficulty maneuvering the aircraft because it appeared the left wing tip was very close to an airport fence. At least 3 times during the push the left wing walker stopped the push with crossed wands; walked up to the tug driver; communicated something to the tug driver; then went back to left wing position. Tug driver then pulled aircraft a few feet forward then pushed aircraft back a few feet. This occurred 3 times. At this point tug driver pushing aircraft again when the tow bar broke. Tug driver advised me to set brakes; which I did. He said he needed to get another tow bar. I advised him we would need maintenance to inspect nose gear prior to moving the aircraft. I was then advised by flight attendant that a passenger stated he believed the left wing tip struck the fence. I asked tug driver if the aircraft had hit the fence and he did not respond. FO then called maintenance to advise we required a nose gear inspection and also determine if there was any damage to left wing tip. Maintenance advised me that the left wing tip had damage and aircraft would be out of service. Pictures were taken by station personnel. Maintenance advised that nose gear was safe for tow back to gate once station completed their investigation. Pushback began at XA:24 and we arrived back at the gate at XB:16. Passengers were deplaned and another aircraft assigned to the flight and we departed.Once parking checklist was completed voice recorder circuit breaker was pulled by flight crew. I made 3 log book entries; possible wing tip damage; possible nose gear damage; and voice recorder circuit breaker pulled by flight crew. I did observe pictures taken by ground personnel. During flight; flight attendant advised me that she was experiencing some shoulder and neck pain from bumping her shoulder into forward closet when tow bar broke. She was met by flight service personnel. I am not aware of any passenger injuries as a result of this incident.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
B737 flight crew struck an airport fence during pushback braking the tow bar.