Flight AM-363 | Registration: XA-MFO
Date: 2 April 2025 | Location: Mexico City International Airport (MMMX), Mexico
Flight Details
• Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-9 MAX
• Engines: 2 × CFM LEAP-1B
• Operator: Aeromexico
• Registration: XA-MFO
• Flight Number: AM-363
• Callsign: AMX363
• Route: La Paz International (MMLP) to Mexico City International (MMMX), Mexico
• Date of Incident: 2 April 2025
• Total Occupants: 186 (174 passengers, 12 crew)
• Weather Conditions: VMC, moderate crosswinds reported
Introduction
On 2 April 2025, an Aeromexico Boeing 737-9 MAX performing flight AM-363 from La Paz to Mexico City sustained a left engine nacelle strike during landing on runway 23L at Mexico City International Airport. The aircraft, registration XA-MFO, contacted the runway surface with its left engine pod upon touchdown. Despite the impact, the aircraft rolled out normally and vacated the runway without further issue. No injuries were reported, but the engine nacelle sustained scrape damage and the aircraft remains out of service pending inspection and repair.
Sequence of Events
Flight AM-363 conducted a routine descent and approach into Mexico City. The aircraft was cleared for landing on runway 23L and touched down at approximately 13:25 local time.
During the landing flare or at the point of touchdown, the aircraft’s left engine nacelle made contact with the runway surface. The scrape likely occurred due to excessive roll angle, crosswind correction mismanagement, or a slightly asymmetric landing attitude.
Following the pod strike, the aircraft continued its rollout normally and exited the runway unaided. The crew did not declare an emergency, and ATC was informed of the incident after the aircraft reached the gate.
Post-flight inspection revealed abrasion damage to the lower cowling and possible scarring along the nacelle structure. The aircraft was withdrawn from service for engineering assessment.
Crew & Communication
No abnormalities were reported during final approach. The flight crew did not perceive any immediate threat to aircraft control following the pod strike and therefore completed the landing and taxi-in procedures as standard.
The incident was reported during post-flight inspections rather than as an in-flight emergency. There were no emergency broadcasts (e.g. PAN/MAYDAY), indicating the event was not considered hazardous in real-time by the operating crew.
Subsequent communication with ATC and company maintenance confirmed that the nacelle had come into contact with the runway surface.
Aircraft Systems & Technical Analysis
The Boeing 737 MAX features low ground clearance, particularly with the larger LEAP-1B engines mounted further forward and higher than on earlier 737 variants. However, crosswind landings, excessive bank angle during flare, or improper de-crabbing techniques can result in engine nacelle strikes.
Key contributing factors may include:
• High crosswind component on approach
• Overcorrection during de-crab manoeuvre
• Left wing dip during asymmetric touchdown
• Soft landing with inadequate pitch attitude
• Slight misalignment with runway centreline
Damage to the engine nacelle can include:
• Scraping of the lower cowl and acoustic panels
• Possible damage to thrust reverser components
• Scoring or abrasion to fan duct outer panels
• Displacement of nacelle structural components
Standard inspection procedures involve:
• Borescope inspection of engine inlet
• Detailed assessment of nacelle outer and inner panels
• Functional testing of thrust reverser system
• Replacement of any damaged aerodynamic surfaces or covers
Given the ongoing grounding of the aircraft, damage may extend beyond superficial abrasion and require structural component replacement.
Passenger Experience & Cabin Conditions
There were no reported passenger injuries or abnormal sensations beyond the standard landing jolt. Cabin crew did not initiate any emergency procedures, and passengers deplaned normally at the gate.
The incident was only later reported once ground inspection identified the nacelle contact marks, suggesting the impact was not severe enough to cause cabin-wide vibration or disruption.
Emergency Response & Aftermath
Airport emergency services were not called to respond, as the aircraft exited the runway unaided and taxied to the stand under its own power.
Aeromexico’s maintenance team initiated standard post-incident inspection protocols. XA-MFO was taken out of service and remains grounded in Mexico City as of 7 April 2025.
The airline has not disclosed the estimated return-to-service timeline, likely pending structural assessment, part availability, and manufacturer input.
Investigation Status
Mexico’s Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC) has been notified. As the aircraft landed without incident and no injuries occurred, the event may be classified as a minor incident rather than a serious incident or accident.
Internal flight data and cockpit voice recordings will be reviewed to determine:
• Crosswind magnitude and direction
• Yaw and roll rates during touchdown
• Pitch attitude and airspeed at flare
• Lateral deviation from runway centreline
If procedural deviations or handling errors are confirmed, simulator review and training audits may follow.
Root Cause & Contributing Factors
Root Cause:
Physical contact between the aircraft’s left engine nacelle and runway surface during landing flare or touchdown.
Contributing Factors may include:
• High crosswind requiring de-crab manoeuvre
• Excessive roll angle during touchdown
• Slight lateral drift due to wind or pilot correction
• Inherent low ground clearance of B737 MAX nacelle positioning
If wind conditions were outside Boeing’s certified limits, external environmental influence could be considered primary.
Safety Recommendations & Industry Impact
The event reinforces the importance of:
• Proper crosswind landing technique (crab, de-crab, or sideslip based on aircraft type)
• Awareness of low engine clearance during asymmetric touchdowns
• Visual runway alignment in crosswind conditions
• Cockpit coordination during flare and touchdown to monitor lateral drift
Boeing and Aeromexico may consider issuing awareness guidance on pod strike risks during crosswind operations, particularly for new or transitioning pilots flying the MAX variant.
Airports may also review runway surface conditions and lighting contrast in areas prone to crosswind challenges.
Conclusion
The engine nacelle strike sustained by Aeromexico flight AM-363 highlights an operational hazard present in modern narrowbody aircraft with larger engine cowlings and low ground clearance. While the incident resulted in no injuries and only minor aircraft damage, it serves as a timely reminder of the handling precision required during gusty or crosswind conditions on final approach.
The ongoing inspection and repair process will confirm whether the damage was superficial or structural, and future training emphasis may help reduce the risk of similar events.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and reports at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided.
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