Narrative:

[Our pushback] at msy was halted half way into the push due to a potential collision with a fuel truck. Screaming could be heard on intercom from the tug driver in distress and the immediate halt of the aircraft created confusion for the first officer and I. [As soon as] I gained an understanding of the situation; [I] set the park brake and contacted ATC for eyes on the fuel vendor. I confirmed with the fas that they were okay and overall safety and well being. The aircraft was at full passenger capacity and weighed 103.5 lbs which made it more difficult to stop. After speaking with ground operations; it was ascertained that the veteran fuel truck operator did not see us pushing. The nighttime operation created a further hazard to visibility as the operator came around the corner of the terminal. The heavy weight of the aircraft and thus a slower cautious speed of the tug driver allowed us to have a different outcome. Policies and procedures were followed. I commend the ground crew in msy for their professionalism. Having visible wands and the appropriate resources in regards to properly positioned and trained ground personnel allowed for a different outcome. After speaking with [the driver's employer]; who was open and candid about the event; the fuel truck operator contemplated 'slamming on the brakes'. [He] mentioned the driver deciding to continue to outrun the aircraft instead of stopping as stopping would have apparently; in his judgement; led to more of an adverse situation. [His] professionalism on the phone call I had with him was what I didn't expect. The driver took full responsibility and was 'shook-up.' his driver reported the event to him and is being investigated by his company. I explained that this is one of many occurrences [mentioned] to me by msy ops.without reporting; there can't be an awareness to fixing the problem. I commend the msy ground operations for their professionalism. If this is a continued issue; as described to me; then this event may be turning point and may be used to open dialogue between the vender; airport operations; and our company to find a solution to mitigate risks; injury and damage. I feel that what occurred here is similar to most airports we serve unfortunately. I feel continued education and evaluation of threats associated with certain airport operations is needed. In this case the service road arches around the C terminal and with numerous lights at night and a slow pushing aircraft; I can see how this happened. Other than the policies and procedures on our end; I'm not sure what can be done other than education and awareness.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air carrier Captain reported the tug driver stopped abruptly during push back to avoid a collision with a fuel truck.

Narrative: [Our pushback] at MSY was halted half way into the push due to a potential collision with a fuel truck. Screaming could be heard on intercom from the tug driver in distress and the immediate halt of the aircraft created confusion for the FO and I. [As soon as] I gained an understanding of the situation; [I] set the park brake and contacted ATC for eyes on the fuel vendor. I confirmed with the FAs that they were okay and overall safety and well being. The aircraft was at full passenger capacity and weighed 103.5 lbs which made it more difficult to stop. After speaking with ground operations; it was ascertained that the veteran fuel truck operator did not see us pushing. The nighttime operation created a further hazard to visibility as the operator came around the corner of the terminal. The heavy weight of the aircraft and thus a slower cautious speed of the tug driver allowed us to have a different outcome. Policies and procedures were followed. I commend the ground crew in MSY for their professionalism. Having visible wands and the appropriate resources in regards to properly positioned and trained ground personnel allowed for a different outcome. After speaking with [the driver's employer]; who was open and candid about the event; the fuel truck operator contemplated 'slamming on the brakes'. [He] mentioned the driver deciding to continue to outrun the aircraft instead of stopping as stopping would have apparently; in his judgement; led to more of an adverse situation. [His] professionalism on the phone call I had with him was what I didn't expect. The driver took full responsibility and was 'shook-up.' His driver reported the event to him and is being investigated by his company. I explained that this is one of many occurrences [mentioned] to me by MSY Ops.Without reporting; there can't be an awareness to fixing the problem. I commend the MSY ground operations for their professionalism. If this is a continued issue; as described to me; then this event may be turning point and may be used to open dialogue between the vender; airport operations; and our company to find a solution to mitigate risks; injury and damage. I feel that what occurred here is similar to most airports we serve unfortunately. I feel continued education and evaluation of threats associated with certain airport operations is needed. In this case the service road arches around the C terminal and with numerous lights at night and a slow pushing aircraft; I can see how this happened. Other than the policies and procedures on our end; I'm not sure what can be done other than education and awareness.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.