What happened
During operations in dense fog with visibility restricted to approximately 1/8 mile, a South Central Air flight 59, operating a Piper PA-31 with registration N35206, was instructed to taxi toward runway 06L. The crew of the Piper PA-31 remained in the holding area while waiting for visibility conditions to improve.
Simultaneously, Korean Air Lines flight 084, a Douglas DC-10 registered as HL7339, was cleared to use runway 32. However, due to the low visibility, the crew of the Douglas DC-10 mistakenly taxied onto runway 06L/24R. Because the fog prevented tower personnel from visually identifying the aircraft's location, they were unaware of the incorrect positioning.
The Douglas DC-10 was cleared for takeoff on runway 32, while the Piper PA-31 was instructed to hold at runway 06L. As the Douglas DC-10 accelerated down runway 24R, it moved toward the position of the stationary Piper PA-31. With only 2,400 feet of runway remaining—well short of its required 8,150-foot takeoff distance—the large aircraft struck the smaller plane. Following the impact, the Douglas DC-10 exited the runway and struck stanchion lights, small trees, and uneven ground.
Findings
An investigation into the collision identified several critical factors. The pilot of the Douglas DC-10 failed to verify his location using a compass and did not follow standard taxiing procedures. Furthermore, the crew proceeded with takeoff despite uncertainty regarding their exact position on the airfield. The accident was exacerbated by poorly legible taxiway and runway signage at various intersections, as well as heavy fog that prevented both the pilot from visual navigation and the tower from providing necessary assistance.