Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 7; Flight Crew Total 106; Flight Crew Type 27
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Landing Without Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Runway
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Airport; Procedure; Human Factors
I planned to fly to 7K8 and immediately return. I traveled with another pilot with his private pilot license. I did my flight planning on my iPad with current FlyQ maps and weather information. I did not file a flight plan. I was also using the airplane GPS unit with Nexrad. The weather conditions were clear skies; and mild wind conditions. The recent snow covered all but the cleared highway/runways. After achieving our desired altitude; the onboard GPS malfunctioned. We had a current sectional on hand as well and we were able to easily identify the correct course as it runs along the I29 interstate. While my passenger was trying to fix the GPS; I obtained the current weather information on ATIS. I contacted Approach for SUX to obtain clearance to enter their airspace. They granted my clearance and issued a squawk code and confirmed my altitude. 7K8 is within SUX airspace and is about 4 miles from the SUX airfield. I told SUX that my destination was 7K8. I could see what I thought was the 7k8 runway and continued my approach and descent. I was not contacted by SUX during this time. I landed and saw the Control Tower and immediately knew that I had landed at SUX. I contacted the Tower to acknowledge my error. The Tower then gave me the option of doing a 'touch and go' and takeoff or I could taxi off the runway and obtain clearance to take off. I thought it better to taxi off the runway and 'regroup' to make sure I was clear about the 7K8 route. I was cleared for takeoff and flew to 7K8 where I landed. I then taxied back and took off toward [original departure airport]. I was contacted by SUX Departure and asked to call the Tower on my landline once I got to my destination. Upon getting back; I called the landline for SUX. I spoke with one of the controllers and explained why I had issues. I asked him what if anything I needed to do; and he instructed me that I did not need to file any report; but I should expect a letter from the FAA. He told me that this was a formality; but that he didn't anticipate any significant action.
A general aviation pilot landed at the tower controlled airport (SUX) without a clearance after overflying a non-towered airport with similar runway alignment located within 5 nautical miles.