Air carrier Captain reported runway conditions were worse than reported during landing at ORD. Crew requested tow into the gate.

Date: 2026-01 · Aircraft: Commercial Fixed Wing · Phase: landing

Anomalies: atc-issue-all-types|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy|ground-event-encounter-loss-of-aircraft-control|ground-event-encounter-weather-turbulence|inflight-event-encounter-weather-turbulence

Synopsis

Air carrier Captain reported runway conditions were worse than reported during landing at ORD. Crew requested tow into the gate.

Narrative

During arrival into Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD); weather conditions were rapidly deteriorating; with a significant wind shift from north-northwest to north-northeast.We were initially cleared to land on Runway 27R; but this would have resulted in a tailwind component; and the reported runway condition code was 3/3/3. We executed a go-around and were subsequently resequenced for an approach to Runway 9C.While being vectored for the approach; approximately ten minutes prior to landing; the tower provided an updated report indicating that Runway 9C had a condition code of 3/3/5; with winds from 010 degrees at approximately 20 knots and no gusts. This resulted in a crosswind component below the 25-knot recommended limit for operations on a contaminated runway.The First Officer and I discussed the associated threats and concluded that; based on the reported conditions; an approach and landing attempt was acceptable.Upon touchdown; however; it became immediately apparent that actual runway conditions were significantly worse than reported. Braking action was effectively nil; and the aircraft repeatedly attempted to weathervane into the wind due to inadequate traction; resulting in several degrees of left yaw. Although I maintained directional control; the aircraft was on the verge of sideslipping. We eventually decelerated sufficiently to exit the runway.Conditions on the north-side taxiways were similarly poor. I taxied at a reduced speed until reaching the intersection of Taxiways Kilo and Tango. While attempting to turn onto Tango; the nose wheel lost traction; preventing completion of the turn. Rather than risk further maneuvering that could have led to departing the prepared surface; I stopped the aircraft; advised Ground Control of our situation; and requested tug assistance.A super tug was positioned behind us and received permission to connect. Initially; the plan was to use the tug only to realign the aircraft onto Tango. However; given the widespread ice; severely reduced traction; and uncertainty regarding conditions elsewhere on the airport; I recommended that the tug tow us directly to the gate. The tug crew agreed; assumed control of the aircraft; and towed us without further incident to Gate XX.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.