Flight Instructor and student reported a runway incursion when they mistook Runway 6/24 at PMP for Taxiway Mike due to faded runway markings and no 'red runway signs.'
Synopsis
Flight Instructor and student reported a runway incursion when they mistook Runway 6/24 at PMP for Taxiway Mike due to faded runway markings and no 'red runway signs.'
Narrative
After landing on Runway 15 with the intention of a full stop and taxi back for the purposes of training; we were given an instruction to exit the Runway to the right onto taxiway Mike. We turned to the right and noticed that we had accidentally taxied instead onto Runway 6/24; a runway which was not in use. I informed the Tower Controller that we had taxied off onto the runway and asked what he would like us to do. The Controller asked us if we wanted to proceed to the runway again and my student responded yes. Both my student and I initially believed we had exited on taxiway Mike; until we noticed the centerline markings. I don't believe any red runway signs are posted for the area that the Runway crosses; or at least there are not for aircraft turning into the Runway. It may be advisable to place signs or markings to help differentiate Taxiway M from the runway to help pilots clearly differentiate the two. The markings on the runway are also very faded; which in the bright light did not help us identify it. On the part of the pilots; we have agreed to be more vigilant ensure we properly understand the airport signage.
Second reporter narrative
Conducting a training flight. Flew from ZZZ to PMP to conduct pattern work in a less congested airspace. After second lap in the pattern (left traffic Runway 15) performed a soft field approach on Runway 15. I didn't pull the power out all the way and floated an additional 150 feet. I was given taxi instructions by the tower to 'turn off on Taxiway M; contact Ground'. As we turned off on (what we thought was Taxiway Mike) we noticed we turned in front of the grass strip instead of after it. We ended up turning onto the perpendicular runway. I noticed the error immediately; continued to expedite off the active runway and onto a taxiway. I cleaned up the aircraft; completed the after landing checklist; then called ground to notify them of my error. I said 'PMP Ground; on E; we turned off prematurely and made a mistake; where would you like us to taxi?' There was no issue. We did not impede ground or air traffic; and were able to mitigate the error. Ground gave us taxi instructions to taxi to Runway 15 via E. Neither pilot had the airport chart readily available and mistook the perpendicular runway as a taxiway.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.