What happened
On February 15, 2020, an Air India Airbus A321-211, registration VT-PPU, was preparing for a scheduled flight from Pune to Delhi. During the takeoff roll on runway 10, the pilot-in-command noticed a vehicle and a person standing on the runway once the aircraft reached the crest of a central runway slope. At this point, the aircraft had reached a speed of approximately 120 knots.
To avoid a potential collision, the pilot decided not to abort the takeoff due to the close proximity of the obstacle and instead initiated an early rotation. This maneuver caused the aircraft's tail to scrape the runway surface. Following the initial contact, the pilot applied TOGA thrust, which led to a second tail strike as the pitch angle increased. The aircraft eventually lifted off at 147 knots and continued to its destination in Delhi. While the flight crew initially believed the incident was minor, a post-flight inspection revealed visible scrape marks and material loss on the aircraft's aft belly and drain mast.
The investigation
AAIB India examined flight data recorder (DFDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) transcripts, alongside air traffic control (ATC) communications. The investigation focused on the visibility of the runway, the actions of the flight crew, and the situational awareness of the air traffic controller. Investigators also reviewed the physical damage to the Airbus A321-211 and the maintenance records of the aircraft.
Findings
- The investigation established that the aircraft's tail struck the runway twice during the takeoff roll.
- The pilot was forced into an early rotation due to the presence of a vehicle and a person on the runway.
- The air traffic controller provided takeoff clearance without realizing a bird controller vehicle was still occupying the runway.
- The topography of the runway, specifically a slope near the center, prevented the pilot from seeing the vehicle until the aircraft had already gained significant speed.
- While the ATC tower had a clear view of both ends of the runway, the controller lacked the necessary situational awareness to identify the obstacle.
- No injuries were reported among the 180 passengers or the 7 crew members on board.