Tail strike during landing of Airbus A300

Casualties unknown • Jamaica, NY, US

An Airbus A300 experienced a tail strike during landing while being operated by a captain trainee undergoing initial operating experience.

What happened

An Airbus A300 was on final approach for landing with a crew consisting of a captain trainee acting as the operating pilot and a check airman occupying the right seat as the first officer. The captain trainee was receiving initial operating experience at the time of the event.

As the aircraft approached the runway, the captain trainee closed the throttles. The airplane made an initial touchdown with a force of 1.3 Gs at 129 KCAS. Following this contact, the aircraft bounced into the air and touched down a second time approximately four seconds later. During both the initial touchdown and the subsequent touchdown, the captain trainee pulled back on the control yoke. The second touchdown occurred at 124 KCAS with a force of 2.26 Gs, resulting in a tail strike.

Interviews indicated that the intended approach speed was 132 knots plus an additional 5 knots to account for crosswind conditions.

Probable cause

The pilot's action of pulling back on the control yoke during both the initial touchdown and the subsequent bounce caused the aircraft to experience a tail strike.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-07-15 Airbus Industrie A-300-600ER accident near Jamaica, NY?

An Airbus A300 experienced a tail strike during landing while being operated by a captain trainee undergoing initial operating experience.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-07-15 involved a Airbus Industrie A-300-600ER, registration N80057, operated by American Airlines, Inc., at Jamaica, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's action of pulling back on the control yoke during both the initial touchdown and the subsequent bounce caused the aircraft to experience a tail strike.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19345. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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