Incident Overview
New York Air Flight 306 (NYA 306) followed United Flight 827 (UAL 827), a Boeing 727, to the run-up area and positioned in the #2 spot for takeoff, anticipating that UAL 827 would receive takeoff clearance first. However, NYA 306 was cleared for takeoff before UAL 827. The pilot of NYA 306 initiated a hard right turn, but the aircraft was not in a position to pass clear of UAL 827. During the turn, the left wing tip of NYA 306 struck the trailing edge of UAL 827's right wing.
Sequence of Events
Both aircraft had proceeded to the run-up area prior to the incident. NYA 306 took the #2 position, expecting UAL 827 to be first for departure. Air traffic control cleared NYA 306 for takeoff ahead of UAL 827. The NYA 306 pilot executed a sharp right turn in an attempt to maneuver, but the turn resulted in a collision between the two aircraft.