2026-01 · NASA ASRS report 2324314
Air carrier flight crew reported a taxiway excursion at ROC in icy conditions after leaving the de-ice pad. Flight was towed to gate for inspection.
At approximately XA:00 local time in ROC; the First Officer and I had just completed de-icing with Type 1 & 4 due to the snowy conditions that prevailed. After reconfiguring and completing the load closeout brief; we exited the de-ice pad noting Aircraft Y on our immediate left. Due to the slippery conditions with snow and ice on the ground surface; we gently taxied forward and initiated a shallow left turn once clear of the other aircraft to minimize slipping. Upon realizing the turn radius would exceed the width of the taxiway because of the slippery conditions; I immediately applied the brakes. The aircraft came to a very slow and steady stop; sliding minimally just prior to the taxiway edge lights. We then contacted ground control to request a tug to reposition us back on the centerline to continue the flight. At that time; the airport was required to send ARFF (Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting) vehicles to assess the situation. I contacted the cabin crew and notified the passengers that ARFF would be performing a quick inspection and we would be on our way shortly. We then started the APU and shut down both engines for safety reasons. Once they arrived; we were informed that our nose wheel had vacated the paved surface; with the main wheels still on. Dispatch; Maintenance Control ; and the Chief Pilot on duty were all notified by myself via phone. An eAML entry was made. I asked the cabin crew if they were okay and they said they were unaware anything even happened. The airport authority along with the Battalion Fire Chief insisted we deplane prior to towing with air stairs and buses. All passengers and the cabin crew deplaned; while the FO and myself stayed on for the tug. The mechanic completed an external visual inspection and did not see any damage to the aircraft at the time. The FO and I were sent for post incident drug and alcohol testing.Cause: The ramp area to de-ice pad entrance and exit to taxiway area was not as well maintained with conditions that were present. A better treated surface along with visibility of the runway edge lights that appear to be not as standard as most airports that we have service too. The runway edge lights are placed in the dirt and not in or on the paved surface. A false sense of being safe" can and did happen. When visibility is poor and lighting is limited; a better visual reference would be of the utmost importance. Additionally; having the ability to de-ice at the gate could also alleviate these issues."
At approximately XA:00 pm local time in ROC the captain and I had just completed de-icing with Type 1 & 4 at the west pad (as there was light snow). After reconfiguring and completing the load closeout brief; we exited the de-ice pad noting Aircraft Y on our immediate left. Due to the slippery conditions with snow and ice on the ground; we gently moved forward and initiated a shallow left turn once clear of the other aircraft. Upon realizing the turn radius would exceed the width of the taxiway the captain applied the brakes and the aircraft came to a very steady stop just prior to the taxiway edge lights. After calling ground control to request a tug reposition us on the centerline (to continue our flight); we were informed by a vehicle that our nose wheel was slightly off the pavement. The airport was required to send ARFF (Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting) vehicles who insisted we deplane prior to towing. A mechanic completed a visual inspection and did not see any damage to the aircraft. Cause: It appeared that most aircraft enter the left side of the deice pad; allowing for an easier left turn towards the runway; however; for us; Iceman requested we enter the on the right side as the left side was already occupied. If planes were able to orient more towards the runway the turn wouldn't be as sharp to vacate the deice pad area. In addition to this; it appears that the ramp turning area slopes downhill causing the fluid to run off and freeze creating slippery layers of snow and ice. The airport maintains the runway reasonably well; but it seems to neglect cleaning this part of the taxiway and deice pad area. We also noticed that at other airports (such as CLT) the taxiway edge lights are on the pavement; however at ROC they're in the dirt; this lack of standardization is misleading when conditions prohibit visibility of painted edge lines.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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