Ground Collision Between MD 83 and Boeing 777-222 on Hold Pad at Airport (N213UA)

Incident Overview

A ground collision occurred between a McDonnell Douglas MD 83 and a Boeing 777-222 while both aircraft were parked on a hold pad at an airport. Air Traffic Control (ATC) had cleared both aircraft to park on the hold pad due to a weather hold, as rain and a microburst were reported in the area, obscuring visibility during taxi.

Sequence of Events

The runway 9R hold pad chart indicated that pilots should "exercise caution taxiing past hold pad with parked aircraft - maintain centerline. Entire aircraft must be contained inside pad boundary line/lights." The captain of the Boeing 777-222 stated that he maintained the taxiway centerline while taxiing. The 777's flight crew used flight handbook reference points to remain clear of parked airplanes. However, the 777's right wing impacted the MD 83's rudder.

Findings

Wreckage on the ground was consistent with the MD 83 not being fully parked within the hold pad. An ATC representative reported that ATC had received no guidance from the airport certificate holder on the entry and exit of airplanes on the 9R hold pad. The area encircling the hold pad was marked as taxiway. Taxiway Mike (M) borders the south area of the 9R hold pad, and taxiway Kilo (K) borders the north area of the 9R hold pad.