Incident Overview
A Piper PA-31, registration N35206, operating as South Central Air Flight 59, was cleared to taxi to Runway 6L. The weather at the time was foggy with approximately 1/8 mile visibility, but the runway visual range (RVR) was improving and the airport was expected to soon be acceptable for takeoffs. The PA-31 crew taxied and waited in the holding area for visibility to improve.
A Douglas DC-10, registration H7339, operating as Korean Air Lines Flight 084, was cleared to Runway 32. However, while taxiing in the fog, the DC-10 crew inadvertently taxied to Runway 6L/24R. Tower personnel were unable to see the aircraft in the fog and were unaware of the DC-10's position.
Sequence of Events
The DC-10 was cleared to take off on Runway 32, and the PA-31 was cleared to hold on Runway 6L. The DC-10 crew taxied on Runway 24R and began taking off toward the PA-31 with 2,400 feet of runway remaining. Its estimated takeoff distance was 8,150 feet. Subsequently, the DC-10 collided with the PA-31, continued off the runway, and hit stanchion lights, small trees, and rough terrain.
Investigation Findings
An investigation revealed that the DC-10 pilot did not confirm his position by using his compass and that there was a lack of legible taxiway and runway signs.