Tail Strike During Takeoff at Dortmund Airport

Casualties unknown • Flughafen Dortmund, DE

A Boeing 737-800 experienced a tail strike during takeoff at Dortmund Airport due to an unsafe center of gravity caused by improper weight and balance management.

What happened

On November 29, 2002, a Boeing 737-800 was performing a charter flight from Dortmund (EDLW) to Izmir (LTBJ) with stops in Ankara (LTAC). The aircraft was carrying 112 passengers and 6 crew members. During the takeoff roll on runway 24, shortly before the engines reached full takeoff power, the nose wheel lifted from the ground, causing the tail of the aircraft to strike the runway.

Following the impact, the flight crew immediately reduced engine power, allowing the nose wheel to settle back onto the pavement. The pilot in command then aborted the takeoff. The aircraft subsequently taxied back to the terminal. The impact resulted in minor damage to the aircraft, including abrasions and deformation to the lower fuselage and tail area, which compromised the pressure hull.

Probable cause

The tail strike was caused by the aircraft operating with an unsafe aft center of gravity, resulting from a combination of inaccurate weight and balance data provided by the flight crew and the failure to implement a passenger relocation plan intended to correct the CG imbalance.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-11-29 Boeing Company Boeing 737-800 accident near Flughafen Dortmund, DE?

A Boeing 737-800 experienced a tail strike during takeoff at Dortmund Airport due to an unsafe center of gravity caused by improper weight and balance management.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-11-29 involved a Boeing Company Boeing 737-800, at Flughafen Dortmund, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The tail strike was caused by the aircraft operating with an unsafe aft center of gravity, resulting from a combination of inaccurate weight and balance data provided by the flight crew and the failure to implement a passenger relocation plan intended to correct the CG imbalance.

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