A pilot landed on PBI Runway 28R with clearance to exit at and back taxi on Runway 14/32 but because of construction light vision obstruction and ATC urging expedited taxi; he became confused; exited on a non taxiway and then was given clearance to back taxi on 28R.
Synopsis
A pilot landed on PBI Runway 28R with clearance to exit at and back taxi on Runway 14/32 but because of construction light vision obstruction and ATC urging expedited taxi; he became confused; exited on a non taxiway and then was given clearance to back taxi on 28R.
Narrative
After landing on Runway 28R at PBI; I was instructed to exit the runway onto Runway 32 and back taxi Runway 32 to Taxiway Echo. I was advised to expedite my taxi as there was another aircraft on short final. I believed that I was exiting Runway 28R onto Runway 32 by turning right; when I found that I had turned early and was going onto the runway shoulder. At this time I stopped and advised the Tower of the situation and was advised to turn back onto Runway 28R and back taxi to Taxiway K. I advised that I was blocked by a runway sign and was forced to taxi around this sign to reenter the runway. I back taxied Runway 28R as instructed; and exited onto Taxiway K and E to parking. Due to the delay in taxi from the runway; the Tower Controller was heard to call the landing traffic to make a go-around. This flight climbed to 1;000 FT and went around to land. There was no further conversation regarding this matter between any pilots; controllers or others as far as I know. My mistake in making the turn when I did; due to nighttime conditions; and airport lighting caused this situation. The lack of adequate spacing of landing traffic was an additional issue in this case.
NASA callback
The Reporter stated that in conjunction with the on going construction there are huge sand mounds and other material in the infield on the east side of Runway 14/32 at the acute angle where Runways 14/32 and 10L/28R meet. Large bright lights along with flashing lights illuminate that construction area and helped to obscure his night vision. He also felt that ATC urging him to expedite lead to some cognitive overload even though he was looking at a commercial EFB moving map on his aircraft's glass panel. The area where he exited the runway was essentially near the runway's edge but because it was just beyond the large area where Taxiway D crosses Runway 10L/28R he could not clearly see that it was not part of what would continue to be a taxiway.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.