PA-30 Twin Comanche
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 64; Flight Crew Total 7675; Flight Crew Type 4750
Situational Awareness; Distraction
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Runway
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Procedure; Human Factors; Airport
Leaving FBO we were told to follow a Challenger on Taxiway L. Missed the hold short line due to concentration on separation from Challenger; and followed that aircraft past the line (Challenger had apparently switched to Local and received immediate takeoff clearance. Noticing the Challenger application of takeoff power; I knew immediately what had occurred. I attempted to call ground to ask if I should backtrack or switch to Tower and go; but the frequency was busy. As I prepared to turn and proceed back; ground called and reported what we already knew; and stated we were to make the 180; which we did. Contributing to my error were a few things: first; I concentrated on the instruction to follow the Challenger; and paid inadequate attention to the hold short line. Also; on returning to the hold short line; I noticed the line was not prominent; and probably should be repainted. Also; the runway marker is somewhat distant from the taxiway; and I applied plenty of tunnel vision in order to miss it until late in the game. The [vegetation at this intersection is not maintained] as it would be at a stateside controlled airport; with vegetation providing some distraction. Finally; the runway is narrow and appeared to be a taxiway (I have safe taxi; but same apparently is not supported at MYNN). In the end; the error was mine (my crewman didn't help much either) and was largely due to my overemphasizing the order to 'follow the Challenger'. On most recent prior trip to MYNN; our departure included following L to its end; then turning to use runway full length). This may have been still in my mind; contributing to the chain of events resulting in my lapse of judgment here.
PA30 pilot reports a runway incursion at MYNN after being instructed to follow the Challenger to Runway 30. The Challenger switches to the Tower and is cleared for takeoff without stopping and the reporter; still on Ground; follows it onto the runway. The hold short line is reported to be faint and the runway signs are well off the taxiway.