Tail Strike During Takeoff at Saarbrücken Involving a Bombardier DHC-8-402 (LX-LGH)

Operational Context and Timeline On the day of the accident, a crew of four was scheduled to operate a Bombardier DHC-8-402 on a route from Luxembourg (LUX) via Saarbrücken (SCN) to Hamburg (HAM) and back via Saarbrücken to Luxembourg. The crew reported meeting around 0530 hrs for pre-flight preparations and described the working atmosphere as good and relaxed, with the operation ahead of schedule. Flights up to the takeoff at Saarbrücken had occurred without incident. Saarbrücken was the destination for 14 passengers, while the remaining 16 passengers were destined for Luxembourg. According to the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), Flight Data Recorder (FDR), and radio communication recordings, engine start-up clearance was issued at 1009:47 hrs, approximately 25 minutes ahead of schedule. At 1015:03 hrs, while taxiing on taxiway C, take-off clearance was issued. The Into Position Check was completed at 1015:33 hrs on runway 09. The Pilot in Command (PIC) served as Pilot Flying (PF), and the co-pilot served as Pilot Non Flying (PNF). The plan was to conduct the takeoff with reduced engine thrust at 81%. ## Takeoff Sequence and Ground Contact During the takeoff roll, the following callouts were recorded: - 1016:24 PF: “take off, my controls” - 1016:25 PNF: “your controls” - 1016:27 PNF: “spoiler is closed” - 1016:30 PNF: “autofeather armed” - 1016:33 PF: “looks like spring” - 1016:35 PNF: “yeah, power is checked” - 1016:36 PNF: “80 knots” - 1016:37 PF: “checked” - 1016:40 PNF: “V1, rotate” - 1016:42 Background click sound, probably gear lever UP - 1016:43 PNF: “upps, sorry” During the rotation phase, with approximately 127 KIAS and a nose-up attitude of about 5°, the landing gear retracted. At 1016:44 hrs, the airplane’s tail made the first ground contact, resulting in a tail strike. The tail strike warning light illuminated. Approximately 875 m after the initial ground contact, the aircraft came to a stop after bouncing three times and skidding on the fuselage. ## Evacuation and Damage Cabin crew reported smoke and fume development in the cabin, prompting an immediate evacuation. All passengers and crew were uninjured and left the severely damaged airplane without assistance.