PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 150; Flight Crew Total 18000; Flight Crew Type 225
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Human Factors
I completed a walk around with tow bar still attached since it was needed to keep repositioning the aircraft to loosen taught chain tie downs. Once walk around completed and all tie downs were removed; I asked my wife to remove the tow bar; stow it in our cargo hold and join me in the cockpit as I was going in to get our cockpit ready for departure. Upon initial turn out from airport; I realized something did not seem right with the bottom forward of our aircraft. I asked my wife if she removed and stowed the tow bar and then realized that she did not. I returned to [departure airport]; did a low approach and asked tower to inform if we still had a tow bar attached to nose gear. It was confirmed that it was still attached. (The tow bar in use has a mechanical locking mechanism and as result remained attached and did not depart the aircraft.) We then landed safely and taxied shortest distance to an area where we could shut down. Upon inspection; we discovered that we incurred propeller damage. This has been a humbling experience and one that has taught me to ensure I pay unrelenting attention to detail.
PA28 pilot reported departing with the tow bar attached to the nose landing gear.