Incident Overview
Two Beech E18S airplanes operated by the same company were involved in a ground collision on a taxiway after landing at night. Both aircraft had departed from the same location ten minutes apart and were on a cargo flight. They landed on runway 36L with a four-minute separation.
Sequence of Events
After the first airplane (registration N2069C) landed, the air traffic control tower instructed the pilot to "taxi to the ramp." As the aircraft approached the UPS cargo ramp, the pilot contacted the ramp controller on a second radio and was told to "hold short of the ramp." The pilot stopped the airplane on the taxiway, facing nearly perpendicular to the taxi path.
The second airplane (registration N4980V) landed subsequently and was cleared by the tower to "taxi to the ramp." While taxiing, it collided with the stationary first airplane.
Lighting and Visibility
Both airplanes were equipped with rotating beacons on the lower fuselage and navigation lights on the wing tips and tail. However, for aircraft approaching from the side, the tail navigation light's illumination was obstructed by the vertical stabilizers and rudders.
The collision occurred in an area not visible to the tower. All taxiways had operational centerline lighting and blue edge lighting.
Holding Instructions
The holding instruction given by the UPS ramp controller to the first pilot did not specify a precise location to hold.
Aftermath
The collision resulted in damage to both aircraft. No information on injuries or fatalities was provided.