Air carrier flight crew reported failure to comply with after landing taxi clearance due to snow covered taxi signage resulting in a runway incursion.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported failure to comply with after landing taxi clearance due to snow covered taxi signage resulting in a runway incursion.
Narrative
Today's flight was a very light flight. Since it was a delayed flight from the prior night; most passengers had made alternate travel arrangements. We had XX passengers onboard. We de-iced in ZZZ and head to ORD. As we get to the terminal area in ORD; the Controller slow us down unusually early. We shot the ILS 27C. Runway conditions were reported as medium by an Aircraft Y flight that landed 2 aircraft ahead of us. Then there was an Aircraft Z flight that landed before us. They are instructed to turn left on E2 and left on E". They were unable to find E2; and stayed on the runway requesting clarification on the instructions. At this time we are coming right behind them in short final and another Controller steps in and says "Aircraft X; Go Around" they gave us vectors and instructions to set up to come back around. As we come back around to the same runway; somebody gets a stuck mic; the Controller is able to get through; instructs everybody to be mindful of their mics and clear us to land. We land safely. I was pilot flying. I deploy the reversers. Captain says "90 kts". I start stowing the reversers and once I'm done doing that; the Captain says "coming up with you on the brakes" then "my aircraft". As soon as I let go on the controls; the Controller gives us the same instructions as they gave that other Aircraft Z flight during the first approach: "turn left on E2 and left on E". At this point I'm pilot monitoring and I reply "Left on E2 and left on E". I start looking around and all the signs are covered in snow. The runway markings that lead into the taxiways were also covered by compacted snow. The Captain sees an opening on the left; and takes it. At this point we had been on the runway for quite some time because; since we were light; our approach speed was 132 kts. and didn't use a whole lot of runway to slow the aircraft. As soon as we taxi out; the Controller says "Aircraft X; that's a closed Runway (4); you were supposed to go to E2". We had turned one exit too soon. They gave us further taxi instructions and then said that we had a possible pilot deviation and gave us a number to call. I think that given the runway conditions; we should've just worried about finding the right taxiway; even if it meant that we would've been on the runway for an extended period of time. As per our debrief; the Captain was concerned about other aircraft behind us having to go around as well; since this was the same exact scenario that had caused us to go around. I also think that this event could be prevented in the future by clearing out all of the snow covered signs; that way we can position ourselves at a specific place on the runway and know what exit is coming up next."
Second reporter narrative
First Officer (FO) pilot flying; after passing Drscl on 27C ATC commanded a go-around. Circled back for 27C again. We had XX passengers and final app ground speed was approximately 115~110. FO touched down just beyond 1000 ft. marks and quickly slowed. I took the aircraft around 65 kias. ATC told us to take E2. Runway and surrounding terrain was mostly white. We both searched for E2. I saw what looked to be a high speed turn off while being concerned with how much time I was taking on the runway; which was the cause of our previous go-around; decided to take the turn since we were at a safe taxi speed. The turn was 4/22 a closed runway. I did see a sign for 4/22 or E2 however. After turning onto 4/22 Tower said to make a left on E taxiway and gave us a pilot deviation. We taxied to our gate without incident. I could have asked if 4/22 was available for a turn off even though I was not 100% certain we were taking 4/22. Also; remembering to slow down since it was still our runway and not pressure myself to clear the runway as soon as possible.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.