What happened
On 9 January 2007, a Bombardier DHC-8-402, registration G-JECI, arrived at Manchester Airport for a commercial passenger flight. Following a landing on Runway 24R, the aircraft exited the runway via the rapid exit taxiway KC during dark, clear conditions.
After stopping at the first junction along the exit taxiway, the commander believed the aircraft had bypassed Taxiway C. To correct this, the commander executed a hard right turn. During this maneuver, the commander encountered a sign board indicating Taxiway A was ahead. Believing the aircraft had successfully completed the turn, the commander reduced the turning angle. However, the nose gear had actually cleared the edge of the paved surface by approximately 2 metres.
While the crew was receiving new taxi instructions from Air Traffic Control, the commander realized the aircraft was no longer on the paved surface. Upon attempting to proceed, the left main gear sank into the grass area situated between Taxiway B and Taxiway C, causing the aircraft to become stuck.
The investigation
The investigation examined the complex intersection of Taxiways KC, C, B, and K. It was noted that the rapid exit taxiway, KC, is wider than standard taxiways. The investigation also looked at the placement of airport signage, noting that the signs are positioned further from the taxiway centerline than is typical for standard-width taxiways. The investigation also considered the impact of the crew's attention being diverted by the need to record new instructions from ATC during the maneuver.
Findings
- The commander became confused by the airport signage, leading to an incorrect turn.
- The commander's attention was diverted from monitoring the aircraft's position because the co-pilot was occupied writing down new taxi instructions from ATC.
- The nose gear exited the paved surface due to the pilot's misinterpretation of the taxiway signs.
- The signage at the intersection was located at a distance from the taxiway edge that differs from standard taxiway configurations.