What happened
On 19 May 1999, an MD-11, registration N813DE, was conducting a ferry flight when it experienced a tailstrike during its landing sequence at Cambridge Airport. The aircraft was performing a visual approach to Runway 05 under favorable weather conditions, with surface winds recorded at 090 degrees at 5 to 7 knots.
Upon touchdown, the pilot attempted to lower the aircraft's nose. However, the pitch attitude increased abruptly. During this period of instability, the pilot was uncertain if the aircraft had remained on the runway surface. Fearing that the aircraft was in a bounce and judging the remaining runway length to be insufficient for a safe recovery, the commander initiated a go-around by applying power. It is believed that the tailstrike occurred during this transition to the go-around.
Debris from the impact was located on the runway between 1,350 and 1,550 feet from the threshold. The subsequent landing attempt was completed without further incident.
The investigation
The investigation, prompted by the accident report submitted by the pilot, examined the physical damage to the aircraft and the flight dynamics during the approach. The inspection revealed general damage to the rear underside of the fuselage, including damage to antennae, drains, and access doors. Additionally, buckling was identified on the rear pressure bulkhead.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating as a ferry flight with a crew of three and no passengers.
- The primary cause of the incident was a rapid increase in pitch attitude following touchdown.
- The decision to execute a go-around, while intended to avoid a potential runway excursion, coincided with the tailstrike event.