What happened
On 18 October 2024, an Airbus A321-271NX (neo), registration TC-LTL, was performing a commercial landing at Dublin Airport. During the approach to Runway 28L, the aircraft experienced an unstable touchdown sequence. The aircraft initially made contact with the left main landing gear and began drifting left of the runway centerline. The aircraft then briefly lifted off the ground before a second touchdown occurred on the left gear, followed shortly by the right gear.
During this sequence, the pilot flying applied significant back-stick input. As the aircraft's pitch angle increased, the commander issued an urgent, non-standard command to initiate a go-around. In response to the command and the activation of the 'PITCH PITCH' aural warning, the pilot flying applied full back-stick input and advanced the thrust levers to the TOGA position. This combination of manual input and the pitch-up effect of the engines caused the aircraft's pitch to exceed safety limits, resulting in a tail strike.
The investigation
The AAIU investigation examined flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and manufacturer analysis of the aircraft's flight dynamics. Investigators looked into the sequence of the touchdown, the effectiveness of the tail strike protection systems, and the human factors involved in the crew's response. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's weight and balance, the deployment of ground spoilers, and the impact of the TOGA thrust setting on the aircraft's pitch stability.
Findings
- The primary cause of the tail strike was the overrotation of the aircraft during the go-around maneuver.
- The crew likely experienced startle and surprise due to the urgent nature of the go-around command and the simultaneous sounding of the pitch warning.
- The application of full back-stick input, combined with the natural pitch-up tendency of the engines at TOGA thrust, led to the excessive pitch angle.
- The aircraft's pitch angle reached a maximum of 17.5 degrees after takeoff, significantly exceeding the threshold for a tail strike.
- The tail strike caused substantial damage to the lower surface of the aircraft's tail section and its supporting structure.
- There were no injuries to the 7 crew members or 103 passengers on board.