LATAM Brasil Boeing 777 Suffers Tail Strike on Departure from Milan Malpensa

Milan, Italy – On July 9th, 2024, a LATAM Brasil Boeing 777-300, registration PT-MUG, experienced a tail strike during departure from Milan Malpensa Airport. The aircraft was performing flight LA-8073 from Milan to São Paulo, Brazil, when it struck its tail on the runway surface during takeoff from runway 35L. Despite the incident, the crew managed to safely climb out and later returned to Milan for a precautionary landing.

Incident Overview

The Boeing 777-300 had just commenced its flight to São Paulo when, during the rotation phase of the takeoff, the tail of the aircraft made contact with the runway surface. Realizing the situation, the flight crew stopped the aircraft’s climb at 5,000 feet and entered a holding pattern. After assessing the situation, the crew decided to dump fuel to reduce the landing weight and subsequently returned to Milan Malpensa Airport. The aircraft made a safe landing on runway 35R approximately 75 minutes after departure.

Investigation and Preliminary Findings

Italy’s National Agency for the Safety of Flight (ANSV) quickly initiated a safety investigation into the incident. The investigation is focused on understanding the factors that led to the tail strike, which is classified as a serious incident. Initial reports indicate that the aircraft scraped its tail on the runway during the takeoff run, but the precise cause of the over-rotation is still under examination.

The ANSV has communicated the opening of the investigation to the corresponding investigative authorities in Brazil and the United States, in accordance with international aviation regulations under ICAO Annex 13. Brazil, as the country of the operator, and the USA, as the country of the aircraft’s manufacturer, have the right to appoint representatives to participate in the investigation.

Aircraft and Operational Details

The Boeing 777-300 involved in the incident, registration PT-MUG, is one of LATAM Brasil’s long-haul aircraft used for international flights. Tail strikes can occur during the takeoff or landing phases when the aircraft’s tail contacts the runway surface, typically due to over-rotation or misjudgment of the aircraft’s pitch during these critical phases.

While the exact extent of the damage to the aircraft is still being assessed, tail strikes can result in damage to the aircraft’s fuselage, pressure bulkhead, or tail structure, all of which require thorough inspection and repair before the aircraft can return to service.

Safety and Operational Implications

This incident highlights the importance of careful pitch control during takeoff, especially in large, wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777. Tail strikes, while rare, can lead to significant damage and, in some cases, structural issues that must be meticulously inspected and repaired.

The ANSV’s investigation will likely focus on several key areas, including the aircraft’s weight and balance, the actions of the flight crew during rotation, and any potential mechanical factors that could have contributed to the over-rotation. The findings will help inform not only LATAM Brasil but also the broader aviation community on best practices for avoiding similar incidents in the future.

Conclusion

The tail strike incident involving LATAM Brasil flight LA-8073 on July 9th, 2024, serves as a reminder of the complexities and risks associated with the takeoff phase of flight, particularly for large aircraft. Thanks to the quick response and professionalism of the flight crew, the aircraft was able to return safely to Milan without further incident.

As the investigation by Italy’s ANSV and other international aviation authorities continues, the focus will be on determining the exact cause of the tail strike and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to prevent such occurrences in the future. The findings from this investigation will contribute to enhancing safety protocols and training for flight crews operating large aircraft in similar conditions.