Pilot Collides With Runway Sign After Taxiing Off Active Runway (N6034X)

What happened

The aircraft touched down and landed at dusk. Following the landing, the pilot executed a ninety-degree turn off the active runway to enter a taxiway. The pilot then proceeded along the taxiway at a speed of less than five miles per hour.

While moving slowly, the pilot made another right turn. This maneuver caused the aircraft to leave the intended path and enter an oval-shaped area that was short of the desired taxiway route. During this movement, the aircraft collided with a runway sign. The pilot later informed responding officials that the collision occurred while he was looking at the instruments rather than outside the aircraft.

The investigation

Responding officials spoke with the pilot regarding the incident. The pilot indicated that his attention was focused on the instruments at the time of the impact.