EMB ERJ 135 ER/LR
Human-Machine Interface
Ground Event / Encounter Vehicle
Procedure; Equipment / Tooling
I brought plane into gate and chocked front gear while others chocked the two main gears. After putting on towbar [I] proceeded to hook up push tug to aircraft. Tested brakes at 8-10 FT out; when within about 5-6 inches the brakes on the tug failed and I proceeded to push the towbar into the aircraft. No visible damage to aircraft. Towbar head totaled.
After successfully marshalling and chocking the EMB into the gate; a ramp serviceman struck the aircraft with a towbar when the tug's brakes failed while attempting to attach the tow bar; which was totaled.