Incident Overview
On an unspecified date, a Piper PA-28-181 and a Rockwell NA-265-80 Sabreliner collided on a taxiway parallel to the runway while both aircraft were taxiing to their parking locations. Both aircraft had just landed on runway 21 and were in communication with the air traffic control tower (ATCT).
Sequence of Events
The Piper was issued a taxi clearance by the ground controller after exiting the runway at taxiway A11 and contacting ground control. The clearance directed the pilot to proceed southbound on taxiway alpha to parking. The controller did not advise the pilot of any traffic entering the taxiway from the runway.
At the time the ground controller issued the taxi clearance to the Piper, the Sabreliner was given a landing clearance by the local controller. The Sabreliner slowed and was preparing to turn off the runway at A7. However, the local controller inquired where the aircraft was parking and subsequently directed the crew to taxi forward on the runway, turn off at A5, taxi to parking, and monitor ground.
As the Piper approached the intersection of A5, the pilot observed the Sabreliner exiting runway 21. She continued taxiing because it appeared that the Sabreliner was stopping and no other instructions were issued by the ground controller. When the Piper reached the intersection, the pilot realized the Sabreliner was not stopping and attempted to turn right to avoid the aircraft. The left wing of the Piper struck the forward avionics bay of the Sabreliner.
The local controller did not advise the crew of the Sabreliner of any traffic on the taxiway. The crew reported that after turning off runway 21 onto A5, the first officer was looking down at the pedestal changing radio frequencies just as they crossed the hold bars. They stated they did not see the Piper on taxiway alpha.
Communications and Procedures
Review of the air-to-ground communications tapes disclosed that neither of the controllers issued traffic information or hold short instructions to either aircraft. FAA Order 7110.65 specifically states that local controllers and ground controllers shall exchange information as necessary for the safe and efficient use of airport runways and movement areas. Local controllers and ground controllers shall protect any runway/taxiway/ramp intersection if an aircraft is required to enter that intersection to clear the landing runway.