Narrative:

Taxiing out to runway 13 at lga; we were informed by ATC that our departure fix; parke; was ground stopped due to weather and that we would have to taxi onto runway 13 to get back in line. We were issued the instruction; taxi onto runway 13 and hold short of aa. We taxied onto the runway and were looking for aa. At about the same time; we were given the instruction; turn right onto aa and join P to hold short of bb. We were having difficulty locating aa from the runway. It was a reverse high speed turn; so we expected not to see a taxi lead in line; and because they do not use taxi lights on the pier; only reflectors; we knew it would be difficult. We were both heads up trying to find the taxiway. We saw what looked like a reverse; from our direction; taxi lead in line and started our turn. We thought we saw the taxiway reflectors and were about 90 degrees to the runway centerline when we noticed we were incorrect; and that we almost turned onto an area that was not a taxiway and stopped the aircraft. ATC at about the same time told us to hold our position. At this point we told them we made a wrong turn; but we can turn back and head towards aa. The controller waited until the next aircraft rolled out on the crossing runway; and then had us turn towards and hold short of aa. I never saw the sign for aa to hold short; but saw the 4/22 hold short line and held there. Once another aircraft had rolled out; we were cleared onto aa then P to hold short of bb. As we were waiting for takeoff; we noticed another aircraft; a md-88; make basically the same exact error we did; and almost turn onto an area that was not a taxiway. Night; no taxiway lights just reflectors; poor signage; poor ground markings. Do not use aa for night taxiing from the 13 direction. Add a sign for taxiway aa. Add taxiway edge lights.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: After arriving at Runway 13 for takeoff; a CRJ200 Captain is advised that his departure gate is closed due to weather and to taxi onto Runway 13 and exit at AA. The crew cannot find the taxiway due to poor lighting and a lack of signs; requiring some assistance from ATC.

Narrative: Taxiing out to Runway 13 at LGA; we were informed by ATC that our departure fix; PARKE; was ground stopped due to weather and that we would have to taxi onto Runway 13 to get back in line. We were issued the instruction; taxi onto Runway 13 and hold short of AA. We taxied onto the runway and were looking for AA. At about the same time; we were given the instruction; turn right onto AA and join P to hold short of BB. We were having difficulty locating AA from the runway. It was a reverse high speed turn; so we expected not to see a taxi lead in line; and because they do not use taxi lights on the pier; only reflectors; we knew it would be difficult. We were both heads up trying to find the taxiway. We saw what looked like a reverse; from our direction; taxi lead in line and started our turn. We thought we saw the taxiway reflectors and were about 90 degrees to the runway centerline when we noticed we were incorrect; and that we almost turned onto an area that was not a taxiway and stopped the aircraft. ATC at about the same time told us to hold our position. At this point we told them we made a wrong turn; but we can turn back and head towards AA. The controller waited until the next aircraft rolled out on the crossing runway; and then had us turn towards and hold short of AA. I never saw the sign for AA to hold short; but saw the 4/22 hold short line and held there. Once another aircraft had rolled out; we were cleared onto AA then P to hold short of BB. As we were waiting for takeoff; we noticed another aircraft; a MD-88; make basically the same exact error we did; and almost turn onto an area that was not a taxiway. Night; no taxiway lights just reflectors; poor signage; poor ground markings. Do not use AA for night taxiing from the 13 direction. Add a sign for Taxiway AA. Add taxiway edge lights.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.