Cheetah; Tiger; Traveler AA5 Series
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Engineer; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 240; Flight Crew Total 20500; Flight Crew Type 27
Confusion; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
During pre-flight was distracted by discussion with passenger of various aviation practices and failed to remove the aircraft tow bar. Taxied to runway and departed with no unusual indications. Completed 1.4 hour flight with no apparent problems with aircraft. When ready to push aircraft into the hangar was unable to locate tow bar. Realized the only remaining possibility was that I had taxied with it attached. I called the Control Tower and recommended they sweep the affected taxiways and runway. Airport operations found the tow bar approximately 1;800 FT from the departure end of the runway. Tow bar was scraped up and the retention spring was bent and separated from the bar but the bar was not bent or otherwise damaged. There was no apparent damage to the aircraft fuselage; propeller; landing gear; wheel fairings; tires or antennas. Not even a scrape in the paint! Maintenance inspection is still pending.
An experienced pilot was distracted by conversation with a passenger and neglected to remove the tow bar during pre-flight. This was discovered when attempting to reposition into the hangar after the flight. The tow bar was found off the runway with no damage to the aircraft.