Occurrence
On October 31, 2019, at approximately 1300 Hawaii-Aleutian standard time, a ground collision occurred between two aircraft on taxiway C at Daniel K Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, Hawaii. The aircraft were holding for departure on runway 26R. The pilot of the Cessna 208B, operating as Corporate Air flight 8974, had positioned his airplane about 50 feet behind a Cessna 172. After setting the parking brake, he diverted his attention inside the cockpit. Moments later, he was startled by a noise and vibration and realized his airplane had taxied into the Cessna 172. He shut down the engine, notified the control tower, and all occupants evacuated.
Aircraft and Personnel
The Cessna 208B, registration N926FE, was operated by Corporate Air under Part 135 on behalf of Federal Express Corporation. It was flown by a solo commercial pilot. The Cessna 172, registration N274MM, was privately owned and operated under Part 91 by a private pilot accompanied by a passenger. Both pilots and the passenger reported no injuries. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The Cessna 208B had filed an IFR flight plan; the Cessna 172 had no flight plan.
Damage and Examination
The Cessna 208B sustained minor damage. The Cessna 172 incurred substantial damage to its left horizontal stabilizer and elevator, vertical stabilizer and rudder, and left flap. A postaccident examination of the Cessna 208B by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector found no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with its braking system. The pilot of the Cessna 172 reported no preexisting mechanical issues with his aircraft.