Originally Posted by
RAT 5
The lighting of a runway, including the approach lights is very clear, well defined and well known. The lighting of a taxiway is completely different, and there are no approach lights.
Don't forget they had received a NOTAM, several hours earlier in Toronto, that the Approach Lighting System on runway 28 was switched off. Sure, it was about 28L rather than 28R, but that was just one character to remember.
SFO 06/017 SFO RWY 28L ALS OUT OF SERVICE 1706021357-1707211500
I'd also suspect that the taxiway lighting at SFO is probably more brilliant from the air than the actual runway lights (with the ALS out) at various other places they go to.