What happened
On 9 March 2022, a Boeing 737-8K5, registration G-TAWY, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Manchester Airport to Fuerteventura. The flight was serving as the fifth line training sector for a trainee co-pilot, who was acting as the pilot flying.
During the takeoff roll on Runway 2D, the crew utilized performance figures for a wet runway. As the aircraft reached rotation speed, the co-pilot focused on maintaining the centerline amidst an 11-knot crosswind. Upon reaching VR, the co-pilot initiated rotation. While the initial pitch was within safe limits, the rotation rate increased sharply once the aircraft reached a 9° pitch attitude. Despite the commander's attempts to intervene and reduce the rate, the aircraft's tail struck the runway.
Following the impact, the crew declared a PAN and returned to Manchester. The aircraft sustained minor damage to the tail skid and paint damage to the aft drain mast. No injuries were reported among the 8 crew members or 178 passengers.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR). FDR analysis revealed that the pitch rate peaked at 7.1°/second, reaching a maximum pitch attitude of 13°, which exceeded the 11° threshold for a tail strike. The data also showed significant control column force and a left roll input sufficient to deploy the spoilers during the rotation.
The investigation also reviewed the trainee co-pilot's training history. It was noted that his training had been significantly interrupted by pandemic-related public health restrictions, leading to a lack of continuity. Previous training notes indicated that the trainee had previously struggled with rotation rates that were either too slow or tended to stagnate.
Findings
- The trainee co-pilot rotated the Boeing 737-8K5 too rapidly, causing the tail to strike the runway.
- Disjointed training history caused by pandemic-related delays likely hindered the trainee's ability to retain correct takeoff techniques.
- The trainee's attempt to correct previous issues with slow or stagnating rotation rates likely contributed to the excessive rotation speed.
- A slight crosswind increased the workload for the trainee during the takeoff roll.