Apple Maps Glitch: iPhone 5S Guidance Error Directs Drivers To Alaska Airport Runway

A dangerous glitch in the new Apple Maps is directing drivers to pull onto a major airport runway of Alaska. The guidance error occurs when drivers enter the airport terminal as their destination. According to reports, the glich is found in the Apple Maps app found in newer model iPhone and iPads.

Drivers that use GPS are guided onto the tarmac that approaches the active airport runway but stops just short of the . However, the confusion of the instruction can cause drivers to continue along their trajectory. "It doesn't actually tell you to cross, but the problem is, people see the terminal then at that point, because they are right there, and they just continue across," said Fairbanks International Airport spokeswoman Angie Spear.

After the first incident, airport personnel immediately contacted Apple to bring the critical Apple Maps glitch to their attention. The Fairbanks International Airport is a state facility and the Alaska attorney general's office promptly reached out to Apple Inc. "It was our understanding it would be taken care of last week," said Angie Spear. The app has yet to be modified.

Thankfully, there have been no reports of injury or accident as a result of the guidance to an active airport runway. However, drivers have already made the mistake of crossing over the runway twice this month. The first incident involved an out-of-state driver who was trying to return a rental car before making his flight. The second incident occurred on Friday when an Alaskan resident trying to reach the airport.

"Obviously, it could have been a very, very, very dangerous situation had they come during a flight departure or arrival," Spear said. Both incidents occurred during early hours of the morning, between flights. "Both parties that did it said they were following the directions on their iPhone."

Despite the Apple Maps app glitch, drivers must take responsibility for their actiosn as well. Multiple signs, arning lights, painted concrete markings and indicators specifically ordered drivers not to proceed. "All of these things were disregarded because people simply trusted their device more than they trusted what they were seeing," explained Spear.