Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Confusion; Troubleshooting
Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Ground Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Human Factors; Airport; Weather
ORD had experienced FZDZ. At our arrival time; temperature was 1 degree with DZ. We landed [Runway] 28C with braking action good. Surface conditions were wet; with patchy slush. I exited the runway and taxied on the parallel taxiway with no braking problems. The Controller instructed us to take Taxiway GG and cross Runway 28R. Taxiway GG has two 45-degree bends. On the first bend; I took the turn at around 8-10 knots; with no directional or control problems. Slowing further; to take the next bend and to look to the left to ensure that [Runway] 28R was clear to cross; I turned the tiller but the nose did not turn. It was obvious that the aircraft was suddenly sliding on ice. I applied maximum braking and the aircraft continued to slide for 10 to 20 feet. I attempted to apply reverse thrust to stop the aircraft; but was unable to do so. The aircraft stopped prior to the edge of the taxiway; but I could see that we were still on the taxiway and that we still had adequate clearance from the taxiway lights. I called Ground and declared braking action NIL on Taxiway GG. From there; I taxied at 5 knots or less to the gate. After landing; I called Dispatch and did a patch to Maintenance Control to inform them of the NIL braking action. The First Officer did a thorough post-flight inspection and found no damage to the aircraft anywhere. We debriefed the event and determined that the ice at Taxiway GG was not visible.
Airline Captain reported momentary loss of aircraft directional control after encountering non-visible taxiway ice during night taxi following a landing in freezing drizzle conditions at ORD.