What Is a Tail-Strike and Why Does It Matter?
A tail-strike happens when the tail of an aircraft hits the runway, usually during takeoff or landing. It’s a potentially serious safety event, as it can cause structural damage to the rear fuselage or affect the aircraft’s pressurization system.
Tail-strikes often occur due to:
- Over-rotation during takeoff
- Improper takeoff technique
- Incorrect aircraft loading (e.g., center of gravity too far aft)
- Wind shear or environmental factors
Immediate Response: Do Pilots Continue Flying or Return?
When a tail-strike occurs during takeoff, the flight crew must make a critical safety decision:
Should the aircraft continue to its destination, or return to the departure airport?
In most cases, airlines and aviation authorities require the aircraft to return for inspection. Here’s why:
1. Safety First
The aircraft could have hidden structural damage. Continuing to fly could risk further damage or, in rare cases, depressurization at cruising altitude.
2. Inspection Is Mandatory
Regulatory bodies like FAA, EASA, and aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus mandate that any suspected tail-strike be followed by a thorough maintenance inspection. Only after confirming the aircraft is safe can it fly again.
3. Aircraft Systems May Issue Alerts
Modern aircraft are equipped with sensors that may detect the impact or pressurization abnormalities, triggering alerts for the flight crew to act on.
Common Airline Procedure After a Tail-Strike
- Inform Air Traffic Control (ATC)
- Stop climb and level off
- Dump fuel if needed (for weight reduction)
- Return to the airport for a safe landing
- Undergo a visual and possibly non-destructive inspection (NDI)
Unless the damage is clearly superficial and airline engineers confirm airworthiness, the aircraft does not proceed to the destination.
Real-Life Examples of Tail-Strikes
- Qantas Boeing 747 suffered a tail-strike on takeoff from London Heathrow and returned for a full inspection.
- Asiana Flight 214 had a tail-strike on landing at San Francisco—though different in phase, it highlights the severe impact such strikes can have.
- Emirates A340-500 experienced a major tail-strike at Melbourne Airport due to incorrect takeoff input, resulting in extensive damage.
These events show how even experienced pilots can encounter tail-strikes, and why standard operating procedures (SOPs) are vital.
Can a Flight Ever Continue After a Tail-Strike?
In rare cases, if:
- The strike is confirmed to be minor
- There is no visible or structural damage
- Aircraft systems and cabin crew report no issues
…the aircraft may continue, especially on short-haul routes. However, this is highly uncommon and only done after consultation with airline operations and engineering teams.
Conclusion
A tail-strike during takeoff is treated as a potential safety hazard, not a minor inconvenience. While each incident is evaluated individually, most aircraft return to the departure airport for immediate inspection and damage assessment.
This approach ensures the highest safety standards in commercial aviation, protecting both the passengers and the crew.
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