B747-800 Advanced
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 65; Flight Crew Total 13000; Flight Crew Type 2000
Situational Awareness; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Taxiway
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors; Airport
Descent and approach were briefed with expectation of [Runway] XXL at ZZZ. ATC advised during descent to expect Runway XYR. ATC was advised that we were a 747-8 and a request for [Runway] XXL was made. ATC advised that Runway XXL was not available unless operationally required. Runway change checklist was performed and performance obtained for [Runway] XYR. Captain briefed that a right turn [off] [Runway] XYR was not allowed except for Taxiway E. However we did not expect to make this exit so he briefed a left turn at [Taxiway] K or roll to the end. Arrival and landing were normal; after slowing through 60 kts. we were past [Taxiway] E and the Captain stated that he would be exiting left on [Taxiway] K. As we began our left turn toward the high speed taxiway I noticed a line of lights on the ground marking the taxiway closed. These were very dim and low to the ground. Very hard to see. I said very affirmatively; STOP; STOP Barrier. The Captain [stopped] the aircraft and then corrected taxi course. The aircraft did encroach on the first few feet of Taxiway K but not far enough that he couldn't correct back onto the runway. On our rollout ATC did issue an invalid taxi clearance that was a distraction. The taxi clearance was corrected after our [query] and the remainder of the taxi was uneventful. Post flight review of NOTAMS (Notice to Airman) and ATIS (Automated Terminal Information Service) revealed that the taxiway was NOTAM closed and was missed on our part. The poor lighting of the taxiway closure barrier was a large factor in us not seeing it sooner.
Prior to top of descent we briefed and prepared to fly the ILS (Instrument Landing System) approach to Runway XXL at ZZZ. Our airport briefing guide does say that arrivals between XA:00 and XB:00 should expect Runway XYR for landing; but goes on to state that 747-8 aircraft should expect XXL. Upon check in with ZZZ Approach; we were told to expect [Runway] XYR. I reminded the controller of our aircraft type and queried whether [Runway] XXL was available. We were told that due to noise abatement procedures at that time of day that we could only use [Runway] XXL if it was due to operational necessity. After a quick discussion with the Captain; we decided that due to our light gross weight; we could accept [Runway] XYR. We quickly reprogrammed the FMS (Flight Management System) and briefed the new approach; to include the many 747-8 taxi restrictions and the fact that taxi to parking was likely to be somewhat complex. We decided that a left turn off the runway on Taxiway Kilo was the most likely scenario. While we did these things quickly; I felt that we had covered all of our bases and did not feel rushed or that the workload was too high. What both the Captain and I missed however; was the fact that [Taxiway] Kilo was closed. We had both reviewed the NOTAMs (Notice To Airmen) and ATIS (Automated Terminal Information Service); but since we were planning on landing on [Runway] 8L; I believe we both simply failed to register the Taxiway Kilo closure; as it did not apply to our original taxi plan. The approach and landing were uneventful and both the Captain and I were focused on identifying Taxiway Kilo in order to vacate the runway. At no point during our approach or rollout did Tower relay any instructions on how we could expect to vacate the runway. As we began to make the turn for [Runway] Kilo; the IRO (International Relief Officer) forcefully stated 'Stop! Stop'. He had managed to pick up the extremely dimly lit barricades that marked the closure. The Captain managed to get the airplane stopped before we were committed to Taxiway Kilo. Around the time we stopped; Tower transmitted that [Taxiway] Kilo was; in fact closed; and that we could expect to make a right turn off the runway at Taxiway Charlie. This was an invalid clearance; as the -8 is restricted from using that portion of [Taxiway] Charlie. As we were about to query Tower; I believe he realized our aircraft type and issued a clearance to taxi clear of the runway at the end. The rest of the taxi was uneventful. I think there are several take-aways from this incident. First; the IRO was worth his weight in gold this morning. Had he not spoken out in a timely and forceful manner; I think there was a very good chance we would have impacted the barriers or at the very least been unable to continue our taxi. The IRO was the last link in the error chain and that link held strong. Second; I think both ZZZ Approach and the Tower Controller were both unaccustomed to a 747-8 arriving at that time of morning. Landing on [Runway] 4R presents a number of taxi challenges to a -8; and perhaps the best practice may be for -8 crews to declare 'operational necessity' and request [Runways] 8L or 8R unless there are other extenuating circumstances. In the event we must land on [Runway] 4R; a simple 'plan to vacate the runway at X' from Tower would be extremely helpful. Finally; while I do believe the way our situation evolved created somewhat of a setup regarding the closure of Taxiway Kilo; the information was in fact available in the NOTAMs and via ATIS. I overlooked that information largely due to an incorrect expectation bias. I am aware of my ultimate responsibility to digest that information and will make an effort in the future to pay more attention to the 'Plan B' options in addition to the expected one.
Air Carrier Flight Crew taxiing 747-8 aircraft reported taxiway incursion on closed taxiway.