Incident Overview
A single-pilot Beechcraft 18 was completing a night cargo flight from Cedar Rapids to Springfield with an intermediate stop in Memphis. Air traffic control cleared the pilot to align on the runway for takeoff. The pilot increased engine power and entered the runway when the aircraft was struck by a Federal Express (FedEx) Dassault Falcon 20, registered N36FE, that had just landed on the same runway. The right wing of the Falcon struck the Beechcraft, which caught fire instantly. The crew of the Falcon 20 stopped normally, and the aircraft sustained slight damage. The Beechcraft 18 was destroyed by fire. Its pilot evacuated with minor injuries.
Aircraft Information
The Beechcraft 18 was operated as a cargo flight. The Falcon 20, operated by FedEx, bore registration N36FE. Both aircraft were on the same runway at the time of the collision.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident is a ground collision between two aircraft after traffic control personnel issued improper or conflicting instructions.