Accident Overview
On October 7, 2008, at approximately 1706 Alaska daylight time, two Cessna 208B airplanes collided while taxiing at Bethel Airport, Bethel, Alaska. The aircraft were N1229C, operated by Grant Aviation Inc. as Flight 165, and N411GV, operated by Hageland Aviation Inc. as Flight 413. Both flights were conducted under Title 14, CFR Part 135 as scheduled domestic commuter flights in visual meteorological conditions.
Collision Sequence
N1229C was exiting Runway 36 westward onto Taxiway B, heading for the north air taxi apron west of Taxiway C. N411GV was departing the north air taxi apron via Taxiway C, heading south toward the departure end of Runway 36. The left wingtips of both airplanes collided at the intersection of Taxiways B and C. The impact pivoted each aircraft approximately 45 degrees to the left. Both airplanes sustained structural damage to their left wingtips and fuselage at the inboard end of the left wings.
Injuries and Damage
On N1229C, the airline transport certificated pilot (left seat), a company check airman (right seat), and seven passengers were not injured. On N411GV, the commercial certificated pilot and seven of eight passengers were not injured; one passenger received minor injuries. Both airplanes sustained substantial damage to their left wings.
Taxiway Configuration
Taxiway B is oriented east/west, approximately 75 feet wide, with edges defined by lights and asphalt terminating into grass. Taxiway C is oriented north/south, also about 75 feet wide. The intersection of Taxiways B and C is not large enough to accommodate two aircraft simultaneously.
Communications
At 1705:14, the Bethel Air Traffic Control Tower (FCT) ground controller instructed N411GV to "taxi to runway 36 at Golf." At 1706:24, N1229C reported exiting Bravo and requested parking; the controller replied, "taxi to park on the right, use caution for company traffic," mistakenly assuming both aircraft were from the same company. At 1707:32, N1229C reported the wing collision. Subsequent radio transmissions discussed whether the incident qualified as an accident; the controller initially sought to avoid paperwork. Ultimately, substantial damage was confirmed and the NTSB notified.
Air Traffic Control Procedures
The FAA's Air Traffic Controllers Handbook specifies holding instructions and clearances. Following the accident, the Bethel FCT manager issued corrective actions: new taxiing procedures prohibiting aircraft from passing on any taxiway or intersection pending safety review, training for all controllers, and additional phraseology training for the involved controller. A memo to airport operators stated, "Effective immediately, aircraft are no longer allowed to pass each other on any taxiway or intersection until a safety review has been completed."
Pilot Responsibilities
Federal Aviation Regulation Part 91.3 states the pilot-in-command is directly responsible for and is the final authority on aircraft operation. The Aeronautical Information Manual notes that while ATC issues taxi clearances based on known conditions, pilots are responsible for avoiding collisions.