Date: 201402
Local time of day: 0001-0600
Location: ZZZ.Tower, US
Flight conditions: VMC
Light: Night
Aircraft: Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Initial Approach
Airspace: Class C ZZZ
ATC / advisory: TRACON ZZZ; Tower ZZZ
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Captain; Pilot Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Situational Awareness
Anomaly: Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: Taxi
Result: Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; General Maintenance Action
Contributing factors: Airport; Human Factors; Weather
Primary problem: Ambiguous

Narrative: On our arrival; Approach cleared us for the visual and had us switch over to Tower. After we contacted Tower; he informed us that one of the preceding aircraft ahead reported braking action of fair. The aircraft that landed just prior to us reported braking action of good. We continued and landed and reported the braking action of good as well. However; the Tower informed us that the aircraft that had just landed had taken Taxiway B (Bravo) and reported its braking action of fair. Therefore; he stated he wanted us to taxi toward the end and use taxiway C (Charlie). He cleared us C (Charlie) A (Alpha) to the ramp with him. As we were turning onto C (Charlie); I noted to the First Officer that the taxiway did not appear too good and proceeded slowly. As we approached the turn from C (Charlie) to join A (Alpha); I applied my brakes and then realized the taxiway braking action was nil. I could not brake or turn; and at idle thrust the aircraft continued forward. I shut both engines down re-applied the brakes and stopped the aircraft and then set the parking brake. We immediately notified the Tower that the braking action where we were was nil. He asked if we needed assistance; and we said we will contact our Operations to see if we could be towed. Around this time we also informed the passengers of the airport conditions and that we were going to be towed to our gate. I also contacted my Dispatcher to notify him of the conditions and that we were going to be a bit longer before we show blocked in to the gate. After the coordination with Operations and the Tower; one of the airport sanding trucks applied sand around the aircraft and all of Taxiway A (Alpha) to the terminal ramp. Our tug crew was able to successfully tow us to the terminal. At no point am I aware of any departure of the taxiway; ramp or paved surface. Where taxiway C (Charlie) and A (Alpha) join; there is also a ramp area immediately in front of taxiway C (Charlie). Upon arrival to the gate we spoke with the Supervisor and informed her of what had happened. The airport was beginning the procedure to apply the de-icing fluid to the taxiways as we arrived; however; that area was not on the taxiways we were assigned. Without the airport testing the viability of the taxiways or without pireps; it is difficult to say; as the conditions of the airport were changing rapidly. The surfaces were freezing quickly and the airport was temporarily closed to further deice the taxiways after our report.




Synopsis: CRJ-700 Captain reports skidding on an icy taxiway after landing; requiring engine shutdown; and a tow to the gate.