A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Procedure
Taxied to end of runway. ATC posted a 1 1/2 hour delay; so we shut down both engines. APU auto shut down. Tried one restart. Ran for maybe 10 seconds then auto shut down again with no faults on ECAM or on over head. Started to communicate with ATC; Dispatch; Operations; Maintenance crew; and passengers. About 8 minutes later the aircraft went dark and radios were unavailable. Called Chief Pilot's office for additional guidance. Used FOM for guidance to keep passengers informed. Towed back to gate. APU [deferred]; and continued to destination.
A319 Captain is informed of an ATC delay during taxi out and elects to shut down both engines with the APU providing power to conserve fuel. The APU shuts down and cannot be restarted requiring the aircraft be towed back to the gate.