A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Training / Qualification; Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Human Factors; Company Policy; Environment - Non Weather Related
Aircraft was pushed back while the left wing went over the top of two tugs with baggage carts attached to both. One tug and baggage cart came very close to the left engine. When I asked the tug driver on the headset if he knew of the danger he replied that he could not see the 'LINE' because it was wet. He did acknowledge seeing the wing pass over top of the equipment. He also replied with his name and employee number. Two wing walkers were utilized on this pushback as well. Standard procedure not followed as I understand them. Retrain and with emphasis on protecting personal injury as well as protecting equipment. It is evident by the tug driver's distinction of the 'PAINTED LINE' that the rules were known to him; however; not followed. Personal injury (personnel in tugs) was narrowly averted. Very expensive aircraft damage (wing; engine and engine pylon) was; in my opinion; narrowly averted.
An A320 Captain reported that the push back tug driver put the aircraft's left engine very near a tug and baggage cart; acknowledging their presence; but saying he could not see the line because it was wet.