History of Flight
On October 20, 2008, at approximately 1242 Mountain Standard Time, United Airlines Flight 1449, an Airbus A320, was landing on runway 8 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The aircraft, operating under 14 CFR Part 121, was a regularly scheduled passenger flight from Denver, Colorado, to Phoenix, Arizona. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its underbelly and aft bulkhead area. There were no injuries among the 7 crew members and 156 passengers.
The crew departed Denver International Airport about 1147 MST on the first flight of a three-day trip. The first officer was the flying pilot. During the flight, the crew discussed United Airlines' recent change in standard operating procedure to the use of flaps 3 for landing.
During descent, the first officer conducted an approach briefing for landing on runway 8 with flaps 3. Weather was VMC with wind from the southeast at 4-6 knots. As the air traffic controller issued a turn for the base leg, the first officer turned off the autopilot and autothrust.
Descending below 100 feet above ground level (AGL), airspeed slowed below the calculated V approach speed (VAPP) of 141 knots, and aircraft pitch attitude increased. According to the pilots, the approach was stabilized until about 100 feet, at which point the first officer pulled thrust levers to idle. Airspeed decreased to about 10 knots below VAPP. The first officer reported a "sense of ground rush" during the flare at about 70 feet and increased back pressure on the sidestick to arrest the sink rate.
After landing, cabin crew notified the flight deck that they believed a tailstrike had occurred. The first officer confirmed this during his post-flight inspection.
Injuries to Persons
None.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft suffered skin damage for a distance of 6 frames from the aft pressure bulkhead (frame 70) forward. Damage also occurred to the pressure bulkhead web and structural stiffeners.
Personnel Information
The accident crew comprised a captain, first officer, and four cabin crewmembers. The captain and first officer had flown together previously, but this was their first flight together in over a month. Both were current and qualified under United Airlines and FAA requirements.
Aircraft Information
No preaccident mechanical anomalies were evident. The weight manifest showed: basic operating weight 97,852 lbs; passenger weight 29,285 lbs; baggage and cargo 4,360 lbs; zero fuel weight 131,497 lbs; fuel 14,300 lbs; ramp weight 145,797 lbs; taxi fuel burn 400 lbs; takeoff weight 145,397 lbs (max 151,100 lbs); estimated landing weight 136,400 lbs (max 142,200 lbs). Landing CG and weight were within limits.
Tests and Research
Flight data recorder data indicated the airplane touched down with a nose-up pitch attitude of 12.3 degrees with main landing gear compressed. According to Airbus, the tail strike pitch limit at touchdown with main landing gear compressed is 11.9 degrees nose up.