Medium Large Transport
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 221
Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Returned To Gate
Airport
While taxiing south on Taxiway E was issued an instruction to hold short of Runway 27R. When given the clearance to resume taxi; I added power; but aircraft would not move. We were subsequently notified that our right main wheels were sunk into a depression/soft spot in Taxiway E. A tug was procured to tow us back to the gate where we had the aircraft inspected for damage. This could present a real safety concern should the aircraft need to make a timely return to gate for a medical or any other reason that required immediate need to taxi.
After holding short of Runway 27R on E; an air carrier flight crew was unable to continue taxi as their right main gear wheels had sunk into a 'depression/soft spot' in the taxiway. A tug was required to extricate the aircraft.