Incident Summary
A nighttime landing during an air taxi cargo flight was followed by an excursion and collision with ground equipment. After exiting the runway, the pilot proceeded toward the designated parking area but chose not to follow the marked taxiway or lead-in lines. Instead, the pilot attempted a diagonal course across the tarmac, a route that was shorter but unmarked.
Sequence of Events
While crossing the non-movement parking area, the pilot observed a parked airplane but did not notice container carts present on the tarmac. Seconds before impact, at a speed of 20 miles per hour, the pilot applied the brakes. The airplane skidded approximately 50 feet before overrunning one of the carts.
Damage
The collision caused the left main landing gear to shear off and the left wing to bend as the airplane came to rest.
Contributing Factors
The pilot's decision to deviate from the designated taxi path and the failure to detect the container carts in the apron area are noted in the investigation.