N1123R

On September 8, 1997, about 1545 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 402C airplane, N2649Z, collided with a parked Cessna 208B airplane, N1123R, while beginning to taxi from the ramp at Buckland, Alaska. Both airplanes were being operated as visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand passenger flights to Noorvik, Alaska, under Title 14 CFR Part 135, when the accident occurred. N2649Z, operated by Hageland Aviation Services Inc., St. Mary's, Alaska, and N1123R, operated by Bering Air Inc., Nome, Alaska, both sustained substantial damage. The certificated airline transport pilot of N2649Z, and 6 passengers, were not injured. The certificated airline transport pilot of N1123R, and 9 passengers, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. VFR company flight following procedures were in effect.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, Fairbanks Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), reported that N1123R was parked on the ramp with all passengers on board. The pilot was preparing to depart for Noorvik. The pilot of N2649Z, with all passengers on board, was beginning to taxi away from the ramp. N2649Z was parked to the right, and slightly behind N1123R. When N2649Z began to move, the pilot began a right turn. As the tail of the airplane pivoted to the left, the vertical stabilizer struck the aft edge of N1123R's, right aileron trim tab assembly. The collision damaged the trim tab, aileron, and the actuator assembly. The leading edge of the vertical stabilizer of N2649Z received damage to the skin and former.