Pilots reported while taxiing and attempting to navigate their aircraft around a parked aircraft; the wings clipped one another.
Synopsis
Pilots reported while taxiing and attempting to navigate their aircraft around a parked aircraft; the wings clipped one another.
Narrative
We were issued taxi instructions by ZZZ ATC for Runway XX. As we approached the final segment of taxiway near the Runway XX threshold; we observed Aircraft Y facing North in a run up pad located on the North side of the taxiway. I observed that a portion of their left wing protruded enough into my taxi route and deemed it prudent to discontinue my taxiing. I then advised ATC that I was unable to continue; I stated that I would wait for the completion of Aircraft Y runup. The pilot stated that they would be a while and suggested that we seek another alternative. I asked if they could taxi deeper into the pad. I observed them maneuver the aircraft deeper into the pad and I chose to exit the taxiway centerline in the opposite direction to increase the distance between the two aircraft. As I slowly taxied past their aircraft; constantly looking out my side window to assess our proximity; I observed their arm extended out of their side window with thumbs up. I confirmed a final time as our wing tips cleared; or I believed to have cleared; before returning my aircraft to the centerline of the taxiway just short of the runway.As we awaited our take-off clearance; ATC asked if we cleared Aircraft Y. We responded affirmative; and that we were ready for take-off. ATC then advised that the pilot suspects we struck their wing. Though I did not believe this was true; I asked to return to the ramp and the FBO to conduct a visual inspection. Upon inspection; I noted evidence that a wing clipping had occurred on the upper extremities of our left winglet. I do not know how this occurred as the image of my wing clearing their wing remains seared in my mind. I cannot say with certainty that I was the only aircraft in movement. I believed at the time that I was; but cannot substantiate this belief.During taxi for take-off at ZZZ; as I approached the final segment of the taxiway; there was a Aircraft Y performing an engine run up with the aircraft facing me. As a small portion of their wing appeared to protrude into the taxiway I was using to reach the departure runway; I stopped the aircraft and advised ATC that I was unable to continue my taxi. ATC asked if there was anything they could do for me to allow access to the runway. The pilot in the Aircraft Y said that they would be a while. I asked if they could pull into the run up pad a little deeper. They moved the aircraft slightly inward more and I departed the center line in the opposite direction to increase our distance apart. As I slowly taxied past Aircraft Y; I observed their arm extending out of the cockpit window showing thumbs up; a signal that all is clear. As I passed the wing tip; I observed adequate lateral distance between the two wing tips. I continued back to the centerline of the taxiway and the PNF reported ready for departure. It was then that Tower advised that the pilot reported that we struck their wing. I asked to return to the gate for inspection. Upon inspection; I noted evidence on the winglet indicating that a clipping event had occurred. I am not certain if I was the only aircraft moving when the impact occurred. Neither my First Officer or I felt an impact during the taxi. I still recall seeing the final glimpse of my wing clearing their wing with space between the two and cannot explain how the two aircraft came into contact during that maneuver.In retrospect; I should have insisted that they move the aircraft to another location or I should have waited. I maneuver my aircraft on very congested ramps in equally restrictive areas (GA ramps); and cannot explain how we came into contact. Perhaps; ATC could have disallowed an aircraft such as this to do a run up in a pad of such limited space. Again; in the end; I view my decision to attempt a maneuver as a lapse of judgment. I also lent undeserving trust in their hand signals. I took for granted that from the high vantage point; they were well situated to detect an existential threat. I was also comfortable with my vantage point in assessing our proximity. Apparently; this proved to be a flawed vantage point.
Second reporter narrative
When taxing on taxiway to the hold short of Runway XX; we saw Aircraft Y on the run up area facing North; its left wing was outside the run up area; we advised the Ground Controller that we could not continue taxi because we did not have enough room to clear the wing. We asked the Aircraft Y pilots to move far to the right so we could pass through; they moved it and we saw enough space to go through and the Aircraft Y pilot gave us the thumb up confirming to us that we were clear. We passed; we did not feel anything; any airplane movement or anything and continued to the hold short and then we were advised by the Ground Controller that the two wings clipped.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.