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Casualties unknown

Tail Strike During Landing on Runway 25L at LAX (HL737)

Los Angeles, CA, US

On May 25, 1996, a Mcdonnell Douglas MD-11 (registration HL737) was involved in an aviation accident near Los Angeles, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the crew's failure to maintain the proper approach airspeed and rate of descent. Contributing to the accident was the crew's failure to follow the checklist and inadequate supervision by the pilot-in-command. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing on runway 25L at Los Angeles International Airport, the aircraft's tail struck the runway. Flight data showed airspeed below Vref with an increased rate of descent. The crew had not used the appropriate checklist nor armed the spoilers.

Incident Details

A commercial aircraft, with the first officer flying manually, was cleared to land on runway 25L at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The crew of a commuter aircraft holding for departure witnessed the landing and observed the tail strike upon touchdown.

Flight Data

According to information from the flight data recorder, the airspeed fell below Vref with a corresponding increase in the rate of descent. The aircraft's attitude was 12 degrees nose high when the tail contacted the runway, coincident with the main gear touchdown.

Crew Actions

The crew did not use the appropriate checklist for the approach and landing, nor did they arm the spoilers.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05803. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.