A300 flight crew reported the aircraft began to skid during taxi due to poor braking action and possibly hit a taxiway light. Flight crew regained aircraft control and taxied to the gate.
Synopsis
A300 flight crew reported the aircraft began to skid during taxi due to poor braking action and possibly hit a taxiway light. Flight crew regained aircraft control and taxied to the gate.
Narrative
We landed on [Runway] XXR in ZZZ normally. We were given taxi instructions [for Taxiways] 1; 2; 3; 4 to the ramp. The Captain was taxiing cautiously as we had briefed prior to landing that they were probably less than ideal traction-wise. The taxi was uneventful until we started to make the left turn from [Taxiway] 3 onto Taxiway 4. After initiating the left turn; the Captain stated (and I could feel that) we were skidding. The Captain added a small amount of thrust onto the #2 engine which caused the aircraft to overshoot the yellow centerline of the taxiway and possibly make contact with one of the taxiway lights on the left side. We both quickly realized the taxiway was very slippery (NIL in our assessment). After arresting the left yaw moment we started to quickly turn to the right to which we noticed at the rate we were turning would have caused us to exit the taxiway to the right. I suggested activating reverse thrust to stop us from moving forward. I noticed the Captain had his hands full with steering and the rudder pedals/brakes. I then momentarily applied reverse thrust which stopped us from continuing our right hand turn. After this; we regained positive control and the remainder of the taxi-in to the ramp/gate was uneventful. The main cause of this event was the very poor (if not NIL) braking action on that portion of the taxiway which coincided with our needing to turn from [Taxiway] 3 onto [Taxiway] 4.Once we arrived in the chocks at the gate we discussed the event at length. We could have stopped prior to making the turn but didn't feel that traction was an issue until we were fairly committed to the turn. Had we attempted to stop after initiating the turn we would have certainly slid off the taxiway into the grass median between [Taxiways] 4 and 5. The Captain had his hands full attempting to regain control and I did what I could to support his efforts.
Second reporter narrative
During taxi in making the left turn from Taxiway 3 to [Taxiway] 4 at approximately 8 mph taxi speed; the aircraft started to skid straight ahead. The aircraft started to turn only after applying differential braking and power. I over corrected and began to slide left. We crossed over the yellow edge line; possibly contacting an elevated blue taxi light. I turned right using nose wheel steering and differential braking again. The FO (First Officer) suggested and then applied reverse thrust momentarily to keep us from exiting the right side of the taxiway. We gained control without crossing the yellow edge light on that side. The rest of the taxi in was uneventful.Lack of awareness of the braking action on that portion of the taxiway and over correction after skidding occurred. Slowing the aircraft to a near stop before making the 90 degree turn in slippery conditions on a down sloping taxiway [could have helped].
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.