Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Returned To Gate
Human Factors; Weather
Weather at PSC was reporting light snow at the time. When the passengers were boarded we were informed by a ramper that they were running low on Type IIV anti-ice fluid. He also mentioned he wanted to conserve the fluid. The captain and myself told him to be generous and he agreed. I noticed while they were applying the anti- ice fluid that there was very little pressure in the hose. They were also spraying into the wind; which didn't help. I mentioned I was concerned about the coverage of the fluid. Before we took off; I took another look at the wing and noticed snow was building on the outer edge of the wing. I ended up going back and looking at the wing in the cabin and noticed the fluid had failed. We decided to go back to the gate in the interest of safety. When we arrived back at the gate I got out of the plane to take a closer look. The agent had completely missed sections of the wing and they were snow covered; in other areas there was very little fluid and it had already failed. Cause was the agent's attempt to conserve fluid so that they could get all flights out of the airport in the morning. They needed to take their time and apply the fluid evenly. The poor equipment also does not help when it is windy.The biggest suggestion I have is that the importance of coverage needs to be emphasized to the agents responsible for spraying the airplane. There is a constant push to get planes out; and to conserve de/anti icing fluid. Also the equipment should be better maintained and all of these causes have a direct impact on safety. This event was completely avoidable.
Air carrier First Officer reported returning to the gate in PSC due to improper application of deicing fluid.