What happened
On October 28, 2009, an Asiana Airlines Airbus A321-200, registered HL7763, was operating a non-scheduled flight from Gimpo International Airport to Kansai International Airport. The flight carried 147 people, including 138 passengers and 9 crewmembers.
During the final approach to runway 06L, the aircraft's descent rate remained high due to an insufficient flare maneuver. The aircraft made a hard touchdown, which resulted in a bounce. Following the impact, the aircraft's pitch angle increased significantly. During this period, the aft fuselage struck the runway, causing substantial damage to the lower fuselage skin, frame, and the waste water drain mast. The crew subsequently initiated a go-around before successfully landing the aircraft on a second attempt. There were no injuries among the passengers or crew.
The investigation
The Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) examined the digital flight data recorder (DFDR), air traffic control communications, and interviews with the flight crew. The investigation focused on the flight control inputs during the landing phase, the transition of control between the Captain and the First Officer, and the sequence of events leading to the tailstrike. Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance and communication procedures following the incident.