PA-23-250 Aztec
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Flight Engineer; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 15000; Flight Crew Type 1000
Confusion; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Airspace Violation All Types
Flight Crew Exited Penetrated Airspace; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Aircraft; Human Factors; Weather
[I] was avoiding a thunderstorm when GPS signal was lost. During the lapse of signal I drifted south into Class [D] airspace of GPT. Upon GPS signal return I realized I had entered Class [D] and immediately reversed course to exit airspace. I entered approximately 1-1.5 miles into Class [D] and then reversed course to exit as fast as possible while avoiding rain showers; and then remained clear of Class [D].
PA23 pilot reports drifting into GPT Class D at 3;000 FT; while avoiding thunderstorms and experiencing a GPS outage. When the signal returns the error is discovered and the reporter quickly exits.