What happened
On February 5, 2012, an Airbus A320-200, registered JA8384, operated by Air Nippon Co., Ltd., was performing a scheduled flight from Osaka International Airport to Sendai Airport. While approaching Runway 27 at Sendai, the aircraft experienced an exceptionally smooth touchdown. Because the impact was so light, the flight crew was unable to clearly recognize that the main landing gear had made contact with the runway.
Shortly after the touchdown, the captain initiated a rejected landing. During this transition to a go-around, the aircraft's nose was raised sharply. This sudden pitch-up caused the lower section of the rear fuselage to strike the runway surface, resulting in structural damage to the airframe. Despite the impact, the aircraft successfully landed later that morning, and all 166 persons on board—including 160 passengers and six crew members—remained uninjured.
The investigation
The Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) examined flight data from the digital flight data recorder (DFDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), along with air traffic control communications and crew statements. The investigation focused on the flight dynamics during the landing roll, specifically analyzing the pitching moment and the pilot's inputs. Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance records and the effectiveness of the manufacturer's existing tailstrike prevention measures. The analysis centered on why the crew failed to perceive the touchdown and how the subsequent go-around maneuver led to the contact between the fuselage and the ground.