What happened
The incident occurred at Los Angeles International Airport under conditions of dense fog, which reduced visibility to approximately one-eighth of a mile. Although runway visual range was improving and the airport was expected to soon meet takeoff minimums, conditions remained hazardous.
A Piper PA-31 (South Central Air Flight 59), registered as N35206, had been cleared to taxi to Runway 6L. The crew taxied to the holding area and waited for visibility to improve. Simultaneously, a Douglas DC-10 (Korean Air Lines Flight 084) was cleared to proceed to Runway 32.
While taxiing in the fog, the DC-10 crew inadvertently entered the active runway environment of Runway 6L/24R. Tower personnel were unable to see the large aircraft due to the low visibility and were unaware of its position on the airfield. The DC-10 was subsequently cleared for takeoff on Runway 32, while the Piper PA-31 remained cleared to hold on Runway 6L.
The DC-10 crew taxied onto Runway 24R instead of the assigned runway and began their takeoff roll toward the stationary Piper. At the time of impact, there were only 2,400 feet of runway remaining for the DC-10, which required an estimated 8,150 feet to become airborne. The DC-10 collided with the Piper PA-31, continued off the end of the runway, and struck stanchion lights, small trees, and rough terrain.
The investigation
An investigation into the accident revealed critical failures in situational awareness and airport infrastructure. The pilot of the DC-10 did not confirm his position by using his compass during the taxi. Additionally, the investigation found a lack of legible taxiway and runway signs, which contributed to the crew's inability to identify their location correctly.
Findings
The primary factors leading to the accident were:
- The DC-10 crew's failure to verify their position using available navigation aids.
- Inadequate signage on the airport surface that failed to provide clear guidance in low-visibility conditions.
- The inability of air traffic control tower personnel to visually monitor the aircraft's position due to dense fog.
- The significant disparity between the DC-10's required takeoff distance and the available runway length once the incorrect taxiway was entered.