Incident Summary
An air carrier aircraft experienced a runway excursion while attempting to negotiate a turn from the runway onto a taxiway. The runway was covered with snow at the time. The aircraft slid off the runway surface during the maneuver.
Sequence of Events
The pilot had been instructed by air traffic control (ATC) to turn right onto the runway. However, the pilot turned left and taxied in the wrong direction on the runway. Visibility was reduced due to snow, and the tower personnel could not see the runway. Additionally, the surface detection radar was not operating.
The ATC local controller had told the aircraft twice to "no delay" because of another aircraft on approach. The aircraft on approach was ultimately given a go-around and was not allowed to land.
Operational Conditions
The incident occurred during snowy conditions with reduced visibility. The air traffic control tower was unable to visually monitor the runway, and the surface movement radar was not functional. The pilot deviated from the instructed turn direction, leading to the wrong-direction taxi and subsequent slide-off.