Airbus A320neo Tailstrike at Split Airport (SE-ROJ)

Incident Overview On 4 September 2021, at approximately 10:34 UTC, an Airbus A320neo operated by SAS, registration SE-ROJ, experienced a tailstrike while landing at Split Airport (LDSP). The aircraft touched the runway with the lower part of the fuselage in the tail area. No physical injuries were reported among the 174 people on board, consisting of 6 crew members and 168 passengers. ## Aircraft and Flight Details The aircraft was an Airbus A320-251N NEO, serial number 9312, powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines. The flight, designated SK7347, departed Bergen Airport at 07:46 UTC and proceeded without difficulty until the landing phase. The approach in use was ILS Z for runway 05. The crew was informed of a possible tailwind and the characteristics of the runway in the touchdown zone, which had an upward tendency. ## Damage and Investigation The tailstrike resulted in damage to the skin and other structural components between frames 68 and 72, and between stringers 32LH and 32RH. Additional damage was noted on the APU drain pipe and the rear galley drain pipe. The investigation determined that the serious incident was caused by a combination of aircraft handling during the final phase of landing and a significant change in wind direction and strength. The Croatian Agency for Investigation of Accidents in Air, Maritime and Rail Transport (AIN) did not issue any safety recommendations as a result of this investigation.