MD80 flight crew was instructed to hold short of Taxiway H at H9 after landing on Runway 34R at SLC. The crew was unable to completely clear Runway 34R and hold short to avoid a B767 northbound on H; possibly causing a go-around.
Synopsis
MD80 flight crew was instructed to hold short of Taxiway H at H9 after landing on Runway 34R at SLC. The crew was unable to completely clear Runway 34R and hold short to avoid a B767 northbound on H; possibly causing a go-around.
Narrative
[We were] landing Runway 34R at SLC. On landing rollout; approaching Taxiway H9; Tower advised; 'hold short of Taxiway H; exit at Taxiway H9; and contact Ground.' As we turned onto Taxiway H9; slowing to hold short of Taxiway H; a B767 passed right across our nose at a brisk speed. There had been no mention of the traffic approaching our exit taxiway; just the hold short instruction. I stopped the aircraft short of Taxiway H and short of a safe clearance from the taxiing 767. It was very evident to both pilots and the jumpseat pilot for the potential danger of exiting a high speed taxiway and not being advised of traffic approaching from our blindside. While taxiing to the gate; we were advised to cal the Tower when we got to the gate. The Tower Supervisor informed me that they had expected us to completely clear the runway on Taxiway H9 and hold short of Taxiway H. I told him that we had cleared as far as possible given that the 767 taxied right in front of us. There was no way to tell if we had completely cleared the runway; but it was VERY clear of where to hold short of the taxiway with the 767 on it.
Second reporter narrative
The Captain pulled up to the runway hold line on Taxiway H9 and stopped; just in time to see a wide body taxiing northbound on Taxiway Hotel; on the LEFT. The aircraft passed about 20 feet in front of us at a high rate of speed. No mention was made of the taxiing aircraft by ATC and we did not see it coming due to the angle of the Taxiway H9 exit. After the B767 passed - and after 3 attempts; I succeeded in reaching Ground Control and obtained ground clearance to proceed. While we were still waiting for taxi clearance; a 737 made what appeared to be a takeoff on the same runway. It was just rotating when I saw it go by my window. Ground Control said nothing other than; taxi to the gate; but shortly thereafter asked us to call the Tower Supervisor. The Captain made the call and I understand the Supervisor complained that we should have cleared the runway. This seems to be in conflict with the Tower's own instructions to 'hold short' of the parallel taxiway - one cannot do both things at the same time in the little space available. I don't see how one can clear a runway and at the same time not enter the closely-spaced taxiway. In point of fact; we could not have moved any father forward without risking a collision with the taxiing aircraft. And I doubt our aircraft was well enough clear of Runway 34R to permit another aircraft to takeoff. We are not aware of the details of the other carrier operation because we were on Ground; not Tower; as instructed. However; I speculate that the other carrier's flight was actually landing behind us and conducted a go-around; initiated AFTER touchdown. The ATC procedures at SLC should be modified to prevent this kind of 'squeeze play.' This could lead to a collision in the future. The wide body aircraft should have been instructed to yield. We should have been given clearance to properly exit the runway. No operations should have been authorized behind us in the runway until we were well clear.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.