Medium Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Situational Awareness
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
After landing at PANC; directed to taxi via Taxiway R and TWY U. The weather was very dark with light rain and wet taxiways. As the aircraft approached TWY U; the Captain was focused on finding centerline of TWY U from TWY R. As the aircraft committed to the turn; the First Officer noticed a white Ford van enter TWY U crossing north to south on the access road parallel to TWY R. The First Officer alerted the Captain to the intrusion. He slammed on the brakes and was able to stop the aircraft. As the aircraft was stopping; the First Officer reached up to turn on all landing lights in an attempt to alert the van. After the van cleared to the south; the First Officer alerted Tower to the incident. As we were parking the aircraft; we were able to hear ANC Tower directing security to stop the subject van. This event was caused by an inattentive or negligent driver that failed to yield to an aircraft taxiing on dark; wet night. The drivers around the airport (this driver in particular) need to be reminded about the limited maneuverability of aircraft on the taxiways and the need to be conscientious about yielding to aircraft on taxiways. This is particularly important when heavy aircraft are attempting to taxi on dark; wet (slick) taxiways.
Air carrier First Officer reported a near collision with a van during taxi at ANC.