B737-800 flight crew reported on push back; the tug driver had difficulty pushing us back as far as he normally would due to icy ramp conditions. On taxi out; the Nose Wheel started to slide on the ice. After 5 to 10 feet; the flight crew regained control and continued a normal taxi for departure.
Synopsis
B737-800 flight crew reported on push back; the tug driver had difficulty pushing us back as far as he normally would due to icy ramp conditions. On taxi out; the Nose Wheel started to slide on the ice. After 5 to 10 feet; the flight crew regained control and continued a normal taxi for departure.
Narrative
On push back; the tug driver had difficulty pushing us back as far as they normally would due to icy ramp conditions. I determined that we were far enough to avoid ground equipment and other aircraft at the gate next to us; so I cleared them to disconnect. We had a wing walker next to us to make sure we were clear of all ground equipment. Using differential power and brakes I turned the aircraft hard to the right to give as much clearance as possible to equipment and aircraft on the gate. While I never felt like I lost control of the aircraft; it was going the direction I wanted; the nose wheel started to slide on the ice. I had complete control of the brakes; but I didn't feel that I needed them since the aircraft was traveling in the direction I wanted. Once clear of all equipment/aircraft; I straightened out the nose wheel and continued the taxi uneventfully. It was only later that I found out that the nose wheel was momentarily perpendicular to the direction of the aircraft travel; and that we slid approximately 5 to 10 ft; in the desired direction of travel. At no time did I feel that I couldn't stop the aircraft if equipment contact was imminent.
Second reporter narrative
We begin the day with the Captain performing the external preflight; and the First Officer (FO) beginning the internal preflight. The Captain returned after the external preflight; and stated that there was no ice on the aircraft; we discussed the weather and decided we would decide on deicing prior to push. There was a weight and balance issue prior to push so the Captain went up top to talk to the Ops Agent. The FO walked to mid cabin and looked at the wings through the fuselage windows. It didn't appear to have any ice on the wings at the time. The assessment was evidently incorrect; and some thin frost and ice had formed on top of the wing but wasn't noticed. Based on both assessments by the Captain and FO; we decided that deicing was not necessary. The Ground Crew pushed the aircraft back after we received the updated weight and balance; data and new release. The Ground Crew wasn't able to push us back far enough because of ice on the ramp. When the Captain began turning out of parking; the nose wheel; evidently skidded on the ice. The turn was made very slowly so I didn't notice any adverse conditions from the FO side. We taxied to the end of the runway and it was at that point a deadheading crew member in the back; called the Flight Attendants and told them that we needed to deice. The FO coordinated with ATC to return to the deice pad. We completed deice normally and taxied back to the runway for take-off. The remainder of the flight was uneventful.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.