On June 10, 2025, a Wizz Air Boeing 737-800, operated by GetJet Airlines on behalf of Wizz Air, experienced an unusual and alarming ground handling incident at Haugesund Karmøy Airport (HAU/ENHD) in Norway. The aircraft, which had just arrived from Gdansk, Poland, tipped backwards—commonly known in aviation as a tail-tipping incident—after passengers began disembarking and the aircraft’s cargo was unloaded improperly.
What Happened During the Incident?
The incident occurred when ground crew and flight staff failed to properly manage weight distribution during the aircraft’s turnaround procedure. As the forward part of the aircraft was emptied first—both passengers and cargo—the center of gravity shifted towards the rear. This imbalance led to the aircraft’s tail touching the ground, causing the nose gear to lift off the tarmac.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew, and the aircraft did not sustain any visible structural damage. However, tail-tipping incidents are considered serious and pose risks to safety and aircraft integrity.
Aircraft and Operator Details
- Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-800
- Operator: GetJet Airlines, operating for Wizz Air
- Flight Route: Gdansk (GDN/EPGD) to Haugesund (HAU/ENHD)
- Date of Incident: June 10, 2025
- Incident Type: Tail Tipping on Ground
- Phase of Flight: Post-landing – during disembarkation and cargo unloading
Why Do Tail Tipping Incidents Occur?
Tail-tipping can happen when:
- Passengers disembark only from the front, shifting weight distribution to the rear.
- Ground handling crew removes forward cargo before rear cargo.
- The aircraft is lightly loaded, or there’s a miscalculation of weight and balance.
Proper ground handling procedures, load planning, and crew awareness are essential to prevent such issues. Most modern aircraft manuals and airline SOPs have guidelines to avoid tail-tipping, especially in aircraft like the Boeing 737-800, which has a relatively short fuselage and can be sensitive to load imbalances.
A Reminder on the Importance of Weight and Balance
This incident is a clear reminder of the critical role aircraft weight and balance management plays—not only during flight but also during ground operations. Even minor mistakes in cargo unloading sequences or passenger disembarkation can lead to serious safety events.
Aviation authorities and airline operators, including Wizz Air and GetJet Airlines, will likely review ramp safety procedures and retrain staff to prevent reoccurrences.
Aviation Community Reacts
Photos and videos of the aircraft with its tail down and nose raised circulated quickly across aviation forums and social media platforms, sparking debates about ground handling practices and ramp safety. Enthusiasts and professionals alike emphasized the importance of proper aircraft turnaround procedures and ground crew training.
Conclusion
While no one was harmed in the Haugesund Airport tail-tipping incident, it serves as a serious reminder about the importance of following weight distribution protocols during disembarkation and unloading. The aviation industry continuously works to improve safety on the ground and in the air—and this event adds to the lessons that will help enhance operational standards.
By Aeropeep Team
