Incident Overview
During rotation, the aircraft experienced a tail strike. Despite the occurrence, the flight proceeded to its destination in Las Vegas. A subsequent post-flight inspection uncovered substantial damage to the pressure bulkhead.
Operational Guidance
The company's operational manual provides specific guidance for flight crews to minimize the risk of tail strikes. It advises limiting the initial pitch attitude to between 9 and 10 degrees and executing a smooth rotation at a maximum rate of 3 degrees per second.
Flight Data Analysis
Analysis of the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) revealed that the actual rotation rate exceeded 7 degrees per second, surpassing the recommended maximum. The excessive rotation rate is consistent with the conditions that led to the tail strike.
Damage Assessment
The tail strike resulted in substantial damage to the pressure bulkhead, an essential structural component of the aircraft. The extent of the damage required repair before the aircraft could return to service.