What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-02-16 involved a Fokker 50, at LKPR, CZ.

Runway Incursion at Prague Ruzyně involving AIRBALTIC Fokker 50

On February 16, 2004, a Fokker 50 was involved in an aviation accident near LKPR, CZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew incorrectly vacated runway 24 by entering runway 13, a mistake facilitated by the complex markings at the intersection of runways 24 and 31 and the specific configuration of taxiway D. This summary draws on records from the Czech Air Accidents Investigation Institute (UZPLN).

An AIRBALTIC Fokker 50 incorrectly vacated runway 24 at Prague Ruzyně airport, entering runway 13 after misinterpreting air traffic control instructions.

What happened

On January 26, 2004, at 08:52 UTC, an AIRBALTIC Fokker 50 operating flight BTI 281 was landing on runway 24 at Prague Ruzyně Airport (LKPR). Following the landing and deceleration, the air traffic controller instructed the crew to "vacate second left" via taxiway D.

Upon receiving this instruction, the crew mistakenly exited runway 24 and entered runway 13. The crew subsequently realized the error and requested permission to use runway 13. The tower granted permission to proceed via taxiway F, which the crew confirmed.

The investigation

The ÚZPLN investigation utilized radar animations and radio communication recordings to reconstruct the aircraft's movement after landing. The investigation also reviewed meteorological data, which indicated overcast conditions with low cloud bases (100–200 feet) and haze, though visibility remained sufficient for daytime operations. The investigation examined the taxiway markings and the specific configuration of the runway intersection involving runways 24 and 31.

Findings

The primary cause of the incident was the crew's incorrect exit from runway 24 onto runway 13.
The horizontal markings at the intersection of runways 24 and 31, combined with the vertical markings of taxiway D, contributed to the error.
The specific layout of the taxiway system and the intersection of the runways created a potential for confusion during the taxi phase.

Probable cause

The crew incorrectly vacated runway 24 by entering runway 13, a mistake facilitated by the complex markings at the intersection of runways 24 and 31 and the specific configuration of taxiway D.

2004-02-16: Fokker 50 — LKPR, CZ