On January 28, 1992, a Piper PA-31-T3 (registration N314SC) operated by South Central Air Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S CONTINUED TAXI AFTER BECOMING LOST OR DISORIENTED. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS CAUSED BY THE FRESHLY FALLING AND BLOWING SNOW AND THE INADEQUATE SNOW REMOVAL BY AIRPORT PERSONNEL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After landing on Runway 6R, a pilot cleared to taxi via Taxiway 'G' continued across Runway 6L and taxied into a snowbank due to obscured taxiway lights and a snow-covered sign.
Event Details
The pilot landed on Runway 6R and received clearance to taxi via Taxiway 'G'. After exiting the runway, the pilot turned onto the taxiway and proceeded across Runway 6L, following the same ground track that the taxiway takes between the two runways. However, Taxiway 'G' does not continue in a straight alignment once it reaches the northwest side of Runway 6L.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that he could not see the taxiway lights or the taxiway sign, which led him to taxi into a snowbank. Visibility at the time was at least three-quarters of a mile but was reduced further due to the presence of taxiing turbojet aircraft.
Examination Findings
An inspection of the taxiway lights and sign revealed that some of the lights were partially obscured by the depth of snow on the ground. Additionally, the taxiway sign was not visible because snow had accumulated on its face, covering the markings.