1996-05-25: Mcdonnell Douglas MD-11 — Los Angeles, CA

Casualties unknown • Los Angeles, CA, US

Probable cause

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.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot was cleared to land on runway 25L at LAX with the first officer flying the approach manually. The crew of a commuter aircraft holding for departure witnessed the landing and the tail strike upon touchdown. According to information from the flight data recorder, the airspeed fell below Vref with a corresponding increase in the rate of descent. The attitude of the aircraft was 12 degrees nose high when the tail contacted the runway coincident with the main gear touchdown. The crew did not to use the appropriate checklist, nor arm the spoilers for the approach and landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-05-25 Mcdonnell Douglas MD-11 accident near Los Angeles, CA?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-05-25 involved a Mcdonnell Douglas MD-11, registration HL737, at Los Angeles, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

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