Accident Details
On August 18, 2008, at approximately 1100 Alaska daylight time, two Cessna 207A airplanes collided while on the ramp at Bethel Airport, Bethel, Alaska. The aircraft involved were N9935M and N7380U, both operated by Flight Alaska, doing business as Yute Air, under Title 14 CFR Part 135. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company VFR flight plans were in effect. N9935M was an on-demand air taxi en route to Eek, Alaska, while N7380U was operating as scheduled commuter Flight 510 en route to Quinhagak, Alaska.
Sequence of Events
According to the operator's director of operations and a written statement from the pilot of N9935M, both airplanes were near the company hangar. N9935M was taxiing for takeoff, while N7380U was stopped on the ramp preparing to taxi. The front of N9935M's right wing struck the trailing edge of N7380U's left wing. The pilot of N9935M reported that he was taxiing too fast and did not see the other aircraft in time to avoid the collision. The director of operations stated that the pilot of N7380U was conducting a pretakeoff briefing with the passenger and only caught a glimpse of N9935M as it hit his airplane's left wing.
Damage and Injuries
Both airplanes sustained substantial damage. N9935M's damage was concentrated on the leading edge of the right wing, requiring replacement of a rib and a section of the leading edge. N7380U's damage involved the left wing flap and left aileron, which also required replacement. Neither the solo commercial pilot of N9935M nor the commercial pilot and sole passenger of N7380U were injured.
Aircraft and Personnel
N9935M was a Cessna 207A piloted by a commercial pilot flying solo. N7380U was also a Cessna 207A, operated by a commercial pilot with one passenger onboard. Both flights were conducted under company VFR flight plans.