B737 Next Generation Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 170; Flight Crew Type 2509
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Human Factors
There were two issues with during the pushback. Upon requesting push clearance gate [ramp control] told us to push for spot X but disconnect abeam the gate. As we were pushing I noticed we were turning well wide of the spot X line and it appeared we were headed for the spot Y line. The Captain began communicating with the tug driver to inform him of his error. As the Captain began to communicate with the tug driver gate [ramp control] called me to tell me we were on the wrong line. I told them we were aware and trying to relay the message to the tug driver who didn't seem to understand what we were telling him.  [Ramp control] told us it was okay and that we could disconnect where we were; which was now on the spot Y line. The Captain told the tug driver ramp wants us to disconnect here now. The next communication we received from the tug driver was to 'set brakes'. We noticed we were still rolling forward so the Captain said we can't because he is still towing us forward. The only reply was another 'set brakes'. We explained we still cannot set them he's towing us. Through several more exchanges we realized we're no longer connected to the tug. The Captain then applied the brakes causing an abrupt stop. During that time I was looking at the tug and it was moving backwards (away from aircraft) at the same speed we were rolling forward which visually appeared as if we were being towed. There was a complete lack of standard communication from the tug driver causing confusion. Once we had brakes set and were officially disconnected the flight attendants called to ask what happened and that they almost fell over during the briefing.
B737NG First Officer reported several deviations from SOP during pushback that posed safety risks.