Plain English Meaning
When a pilot mistakes one runway for another, or mistakes a taxiway for a runway, and ends up using the wrong one.
Full Definition
A pilot's misidentification of, or uncertainty about, the correct runway during taxi, takeoff, or landing operations, resulting in the aircraft lining up on, taking off from, or landing on the wrong runway, a taxiway, or a closed surface.
Context Anchor
Seen during taxi, takeoff, approach, and landing, especially at airports with parallel runways, crossing runways, complex layouts, poor visibility, night lighting, or unfamiliar airport signs.
Why Pilots Care
Leads to , wrong-surface landings, or departures that compromise and can result in accidents.