What happened
On March 26, 2007, a Reims Aviation F 152, registered F-GBQE, was returning to Saint-Cyr-l’École aerodrome following a local flight. Upon contacting the control tower, the pilot was initially cleared to join the traffic pattern for runway 12 Right. However, due to the presence of a helicopter utilizing that runway, the controller reassigned the aircraft to runway 12 Left.
After landing on runway 12 Left, the pilot vacated the runway and received instructions to taxi via the central taxiway and Alpha taxiway toward the parking area, with the instruction to vacate without further call. While taxiing, the pilot crossed runway 12 Right to reach the parking stands. The controller subsequently notified the pilot that the runway crossing had not been authorized. In an attempt to rectify the situation, the pilot performed a U-turn back onto the central taxiway but crossed runway 12 Right a second time. This prompted the controller to order the helicopter on final approach to go around and instructed the pilot of the F-GBQE to vacate the runway toward the South taxiway.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's taxiing maneuvers and the communication between the pilot and the air traffic controller. The investigation examined the pilot's mental state following the flight, noting that the pilot had previously conducted navigation in very low visibility. The investigation also looked into the clarity of the controller's instructions and the physical layout of the aerodrome, specifically regarding the visibility of taxiway markings.
Findings
Several factors contributed to the runway incursion:
- The pilot experienced disorientation during taxiing, potentially caused by a loss of situational awareness after landing and being unsettled by the late change in runway assignment.
- The pilot's attention had likely diminished following the completion of a flight that had involved challenging visibility conditions.
- The controller provided a late instruction regarding the runway change and identified the error without providing a specific new taxi route to the parking area.
- The terrain profile at the aerodrome may impede the visibility of taxiway markings and lighting.