AAIB Report: Airbus A350-1041 (G-XWBC), tailstrike during go-around, London Heathrow Airport
News story
During an approach into London Heathrow Airport on 2 January 2022, the aircraft floated along the runway and then, during a go-around, the aircraft’s tail struck the ground.
The aircraft was approaching Runway 27L at London Heathrow Airport at the end of a flight from Dubai. During the flare for landing the aircraft “floated” and the crew believed it would not land within the runway Touchdown Zone (TDZ). A go-around was initiated from low height and speed; the subsequent pitch rate caused the aircraft to reach a nose-up attitude sufficient to cause a tailstrike. The aircraft subsequently landed safely and there were no injuries to crew or passengers.
The investigation found that a go-around was initiated from low height and low speed. The aircraft had insufficient energy to climb immediately and so touched down during the go-around process. The pitch rate induced by the co-pilot caused the aircraft to reach a nose up attitude sufficient to cause a tailstrike as the aircraft touched down.
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Published 18 August 2022