On March 3, 1988, a Boeing 747-200 (registration LVOOZ) was involved in an aviation accident near Miami, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The captain's decision to raise the pitch attitude to 11 degrees nose up after landing, contrary to Boeing Airplane Flight Manual procedures which require flying the nose gear down, resulted in a tail strike and substantial damage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Boeing 747-200 sustained substantial damage after the captain raised the nose pitch to 11 degrees post-landing, causing the tail to contact the runway surface contrary to standard operating procedures.
What happened
Following the landing of a Boeing 747-200 airliner, the captain manipulated the flight controls by pulling the control column aft. This action increased the aircraft's pitch attitude to 11 degrees nose up. Consequently, the tail section of the airplane struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.
The investigation
Review of standard operating procedures indicated that the appropriate method for landing this specific aircraft type involves flying the nose gear down onto the runway surface after touchdown. The actions taken by the pilot deviated from this prescribed technique, leading directly to the structural contact between the tail and the pavement.
Probable cause
The captain's decision to raise the pitch attitude to 11 degrees nose up after landing, contrary to Boeing Airplane Flight Manual procedures which require flying the nose gear down, resulted in a tail strike and substantial damage.
What happened in the 3 Mar 1988 Boeing 747-200 accident near Miami, FL?
A Boeing 747-200 sustained substantial damage after the captain raised the nose pitch to 11 degrees post-landing, causing the tail to contact the runway surface contrary to standard operating procedures.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Mar 1988 involved a Boeing 747-200, registration LVOOZ, at Miami, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The captain's decision to raise the pitch attitude to 11 degrees nose up after landing, contrary to Boeing Airplane Flight Manual procedures which require flying the nose gear down, resulted in a tail strike and substantial damage.
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