Captain and First Officer reported a taxi deviation which resulted in a runway incursion. The crew suggested a hot spot designation on the airport diagram should be added to highlight the hazard of the taxiway turn to mitigate a runway incursion.
Synopsis
Captain and First Officer reported a taxi deviation which resulted in a runway incursion. The crew suggested a hot spot designation on the airport diagram should be added to highlight the hazard of the taxiway turn to mitigate a runway incursion.
Narrative
We were cleared to taxi to runway 24 via delta; alpha; cross runway 20 at delta. After crossing 20 at delta; we missed the left turn to taxiway alpha and crossed the hold short for runway 24 by a few feet. The tower notified us and we acknowledged; making a 180 and completing our flight. We were given a phone number to copy; and the captain called. The tower let us know that what we did happens all the time" and that they are trained to look for it. The left turn to taxiway alpha is difficult to spot; and the 2 hold short lines for runway 20 and 24 are very close together. We as a crew believe that this should be a hot spot on the taxi diagram. We noticed we crossed the hold short line immediately. We stopped; tower called; and we responded to the call.We as a crew could have been more cautious taxiing at an unfamiliar airport. We also believe the small area given to turn and no indication on the taxi diagram may have led to this. With that being said; we take full responsibility. After crossing the hold short; we made a 180 and continued towards the correct taxiway.We believe that this area should be identified with a hotspot on the ERI airport diagram. We also believe that other pilots at our company should be made aware of this area."
Second reporter narrative
I was cleared to taxi to runway 24. My instructions were to taxi via delta and alpha to runway 24; and cross runway 20 at delta. After crossing runway 20 I missed my left turn to alpha and crossed the hold short to runway 24 by a few feet. I was given a phone number and called as soon as I landed. The hold short from runway 20 and 24 only seemed to be about 25 feet apart; and taxiway alpha was difficult to spot. With that being said; I take full accountability and my first officer and I should have been more vigilant. The tower told us that what we did happens all the time on the radio; and said they are trained to help look for the issue. I would recommend that a hot spot be added in that section of the taxi diagram to help this issue from happening any further.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.