Incident Overview
An incident involving two aircraft, N323EA and 9VSQQ, occurred during taxi operations. N323EA was stopped 44 feet prior to the final turn-off point for its gate. The aircraft's tail extended 21 feet beyond the limit line. Meanwhile, 9VSQQ was taxiing at 'pilots discretion' along the taxiway centerline.
Sequence of Events
As 9VSQQ proceeded, the crew attempted to pass behind N323EA at a 90-degree right angle. The right wing of 9VSQQ collided with the thrust reverser and tail pipe of N323EA. The crew of 9VSQQ stated they had seen N323EA but believed sufficient clearance existed between the two aircraft.
Damage
N323EA's thrust reverser was destroyed. On 9VSQQ, the right wing tip was ripped from the leading edge to the trailing edge.
Lighting and Crew Actions
N323EA had strobe lights operating while stopped on the ramp. The captain of 9VSQQ warned the first officer just prior to the collision, saying, 'Don't look at the strobes they'll blind you.'