Delta Airlines Boeing 757 Sustains Tail Strike on Landing at Atlanta

Atlanta, GA – On August 6th, 2022, a Delta Airlines Boeing 757-200, registration N540US, experienced a tail strike while attempting to land at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The aircraft, operating flight DL-1696 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was carrying 197 passengers and six crew members at the time of the incident. Despite the tail strike, the aircraft safely performed a go-around and later landed without further incident on a different runway.

Incident Overview

The flight proceeded normally from Fort Lauderdale until it approached Atlanta, where thunderstorms and adverse weather conditions complicated the landing process. Air Traffic Control (ATC) initially instructed the flight crew to hold due to a microburst alert at the airport, resulting in a delay of about 30 minutes. Following the hold, the aircraft was cleared for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to runway 09R.

As the aircraft descended for landing, the first officer, who was piloting the aircraft under the captain’s supervision, disconnected the autopilot and autothrottle at approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL). The aircraft crossed the runway threshold at around 100 feet AGL and touched down near the end of the touchdown zone. However, after the main landing gear made contact with the runway, the first officer inadvertently applied excessive aft pressure on the control yoke, causing the aircraft to pitch up and lift off the runway again.

Recognizing the long landing and the possibility of overshooting the runway, the captain called for a go-around and assumed control of the aircraft. The aircraft subsequently repositioned and landed safely on runway 10 approximately 10 minutes later.

Post-Flight Discoveries and Investigation

It wasn’t until several hours later, during a subsequent flight, that the crew was informed of the tail strike by Delta’s maintenance team. A post-flight inspection revealed significant damage to the aircraft’s aft fuselage. The damage included deformations to the skin, structural fittings, shear ties, and the pressure bulkhead, extending from fuselage station 1700 to 1800.

The aircraft remained out of service for repairs until September 1st, 2022.

NTSB Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated the incident and released its final report on July 16th, 2024. The NTSB concluded that the tail strike was caused by over-pitch control during the landing, specifically the first officer’s excessive aft yoke input after the initial touchdown. The report noted that the first officer, who was undergoing his first operating experience (OE) flight on the Boeing 757-200, likely overcorrected due to his inexperience with the aircraft’s landing dynamics.

The investigation also highlighted that both the captain and first officer were unaware of the tail strike during the flight, as no immediate indications or warnings were observed in the cockpit, and no reports from passengers or flight attendants suggested any abnormalities. The tail strike only became evident during the post-flight inspection conducted by maintenance personnel.

Operational and Training Implications

This incident underscores the challenges associated with training new pilots on large, complex aircraft like the Boeing 757-200. The first officer’s inexperience with the aircraft, combined with the challenging weather conditions and the high-stress environment of night landings, contributed to the tail strike.

The NTSB’s findings emphasize the importance of thorough training and the need for close supervision by experienced captains when first officers are performing their initial landings on new aircraft types. The report suggests that additional emphasis on controlled landing techniques and handling characteristics during OE flights could help mitigate the risk of similar incidents in the future.

Conclusion

The tail strike incident involving Delta Airlines flight DL-1696 serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper pitch control during landing, particularly for pilots in training on new aircraft types. While the flight crew successfully managed the situation by performing a go-around and landing safely on a second attempt, the incident led to substantial damage to the aircraft and highlighted areas for improvement in pilot training and operational procedures.

As a result of this incident, Delta Airlines and other carriers may review and enhance their training programs to ensure that new pilots are better prepared to handle the unique challenges associated with operating large commercial jets, thereby enhancing overall flight safety.