B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Type 1278
Situational Awareness
Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Airport
Taxiing into gate; single engine; I felt a defining dip in the concrete that stopped my aircraft. The momentum of the aircraft depleted upon almost exiting this depressed area; and we drifted back into the center of it before I recognized that we were moving backwards. I applied maximum allowed thrust; as the marshall was directing me to move forward. We were about ten feet from the stop point. The aircraft wouldn't move; so we had to shut the engine down; and have a tug pull us the remaining distance. Needless to say; passengers had to be informed so they would remain seated. It was embarrassing. I explained what happened to the marshaller; who informed me that this is a common occurrence at this gate. Please note: I have learned; from experience; that taxiing with one engine shut down and approaching a gate; it's easy to get caught short of the gate and not being able to power forward due to an uphill grade. Therefore; I approach the gate at 30% N1; and ride the brakes. This prevents the aircraft from getting behind the power necessary to approach the gate. Using this technique; I was still unable to reach this gate. My aircraft drifting backwards was unexpected and very unsafe.
B737 Captain reported the momentum of the aircraft depleted due to a depressed area ahead of the gate.