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Boeing 757 Tail Strike During Takeoff Due to Incorrect V-Speed Calculation (N505UA)

New York, NY, US

On January 16, 1990, a Boeing 757-222 (registration N505UA) operated by United Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near New York, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The first officer inadvertently computed takeoff data using Boeing 767 data instead of Boeing 757 data, and the captain did not confirm the V-speed computation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N505UA
Aircraft registered N505UA. Photo: skinnylawyer from Los Angeles, California, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Boeing 757 first officer inadvertently used Boeing 767 data to compute takeoff speeds, leading to overrotation and tail strike during lift-off. Damage was found after landing.

Event Description

During preparation for a flight in a Boeing 757, the first officer (FO) inadvertently computed the takeoff data using data intended for a Boeing 767 aircraft. The resulting V1, VR, and V2 speeds were calculated as 115 knots, 118 knots, and 129 knots, respectively. The correct speeds for the Boeing 757 should have been 145 knots, 148 knots, and 152 knots. The captain did not confirm the V-speed computation, and both pilots set their airspeed bugs at the improper speeds.

During lift-off, the aircraft was overrotated, causing the lower aft fuselage to contact the runway. The crew noted a 'jolt' but elected to continue to their destination after discussing the situation with maintenance personnel.

Damage

After landing, damage was noted to the lower aft skin, aft pressure bulkhead, and associated structure.

Probable cause

The first officer inadvertently computed takeoff data using Boeing 767 data instead of Boeing 757 data, and the captain did not confirm the V-speed computation.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

More Boeing 757 safety records →

All Boeing 757-200 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jan 1990 Boeing 757-222 accident near New York, NY?

A Boeing 757 first officer inadvertently used Boeing 767 data to compute takeoff speeds, leading to overrotation and tail strike during lift-off. Damage was found after landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jan 1990 Boeing 757-222 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jan 1990 involved a Boeing 757-222, registration N505UA, operated by United Airlines, at New York, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The first officer inadvertently computed takeoff data using Boeing 767 data instead of Boeing 757 data, and the captain did not confirm the V-speed computation.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22410. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.