Overview
On October 29th, 2024, a UPS United Parcel Service Airbus A300-600 freighter, registration N162UP, performing flight 5X-2909 from Ontario, CA to Louisville, KY (USA), experienced a tail strike on landing at Louisville International Airport (SDF).
• Aircraft Details: Airbus A300-600
• Crew: 2 (no injuries reported)
• Passengers: None (cargo flight)
• Damage: Substantial
• Status: Under investigation by the NTSB
Sequence of Events
1. Approach and Landing
• The aircraft was conducting a routine freighter operation and approached runway 17R at Louisville for landing.
• During touchdown, the aircraft bounced, prompting the captain to initiate thrust reverser deployment.
• The increased pitch attitude during the bounce resulted in the aircraft’s tail striking the runway surface.
2. Post-Incident Actions
• The crew informed the tower about a suspected tail strike but could not confirm it visually.
• The aircraft taxied to the apron without further incident.
• The tower queried subsequent arrivals regarding their willingness to continue landings on runway 17R, which the next crew affirmed.
3. Aircraft Status
• The aircraft remains grounded in Louisville as of January 7th, 2025, more than two months after the incident.
Investigation
Preliminary Findings
1. Landing Dynamics
• The bounced landing created conditions where the aircraft’s pitch attitude increased excessively.
• The early thrust reverser deployment prevented a possible go-around, further contributing to the tail strike.
2. Damage Assessment
• The tail section of the aircraft sustained substantial damage, which the NTSB confirmed on January 7th, 2025.
3. Flight Data Analysis
• The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) are expected to provide critical insights into the flight parameters and crew decision-making during the landing.
4. Crew Response
• The decision to deploy the thrust reversers before the aircraft had fully stabilized after the bounce will likely be a focal point of the investigation.
Contributing Factors
• Pilot Technique: The crew’s management of the bounce, combined with the early thrust reverser deployment, was instrumental in the tail strike.
• Aircraft Handling: The high pitch angle during the recovery phase exacerbated the situation.
• Operational Judgement: The decision to commit to landing rather than executing a go-around after the bounce is under scrutiny.
Recommendations
1. Pilot Training and Procedures
• Reinforce training on bounce recovery techniques and go-around decision-making to mitigate tail strike risks.
2. Operational Guidelines
• Review thrust reverser deployment procedures during bounced landings to avoid exacerbating pitch dynamics.
3. Aircraft Inspections
• Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the tail structure and surrounding systems to ensure airworthiness and structural integrity.
Safety Impact
Tail strikes can compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft and pose significant risks during future operations. This incident highlights the importance of effective bounce recovery procedures and crew coordination during challenging landings.
Disclaimer
This report is based on the evidence and information available as of January 7th, 2025. For image takedown requests, contact takedown@cockpitking.com. Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
