Ryanair Boeing 737 MAX Experiences Tail Strike on Takeoff from Birmingham Amid Storm Lilian

On August 23, 2024, a Ryanair Boeing 737-8 MAX, registration EI-IJA, operating flight FR-2136 from Birmingham, England, to Paphos, Cyprus, experienced a minor incident during takeoff. As the aircraft accelerated along Birmingham’s runway 33, its tail skid briefly made contact with the runway upon rotation, emitting a puff of white smoke. Despite this occurrence, the aircraft climbed to FL370 and completed the four-hour journey to Paphos without further issues.

Incident Details:

• Tail Strike on Rotation: As the Boeing 737 MAX initiated its takeoff roll on runway 33, the tail skid momentarily scraped the runway surface upon liftoff, generating a visible puff of white smoke. Tail strikes during rotation occur when the aircraft’s nose is pitched up too sharply, causing the tail to briefly touch the ground. In this instance, the tail skid—a protective component designed to safeguard the fuselage during such occurrences—absorbed the impact, preventing any significant structural damage to the aircraft.
• Weather Conditions – Storm Lilian: At the time of departure, the UK, including Birmingham, was experiencing the effects of Storm Lilian, a weather system that had brought strong winds, turbulence, and challenging conditions to the region. Although specific details regarding wind speeds and other meteorological data have not been confirmed, the adverse conditions from the storm may have contributed to the challenging takeoff, potentially influencing the aircraft’s rotation and leading to the brief tail strike. Storm Lilian had already caused disruptions across various airports, and Birmingham was no exception.

Flight Continuation and Safe Landing:

• Climb and Cruise: Following the tail skid contact, the aircraft continued its climb without further issues. The crew monitored the aircraft’s performance throughout the flight, and after confirming the tail strike posed no immediate safety risks, the decision was made to proceed to the destination. The aircraft reached its cruising altitude of FL370 (37,000 feet), maintaining a stable flight profile for the duration of the journey.
• Landing in Paphos: The aircraft landed safely at Paphos International Airport approximately four hours after takeoff. The approach and landing were without incident, and passengers and crew disembarked without further concerns.

Post-Landing Actions:

• Inspection in Paphos: After touchdown in Paphos, the aircraft remained on the ground for about 2.5 hours while undergoing a detailed inspection. The tail skid, which had briefly contacted the runway, was checked for any signs of wear or damage, as tail strikes, even minor ones, can necessitate thorough inspections. The inspection did not reveal any significant damage, allowing the aircraft to be cleared for its next scheduled flight.
• Operational Impact: Due to the post-flight inspection, the aircraft’s next sector experienced a delay of approximately one hour. After receiving clearance, Ryanair resumed its normal operations, with minimal disruption to its schedule.

Possible Contributing Factors:

• Challenging Weather Conditions: Storm Lilian had been affecting flight operations across the UK on August 23, 2024. The storm brought strong crosswinds, turbulence, and potentially unpredictable gusts, which can make the takeoff roll and rotation more challenging for pilots. While the exact impact of the storm on the aircraft’s takeoff is still under review, the adverse weather likely contributed to the conditions leading to the tail strike. Crosswinds during rotation may have played a role in causing the nose to lift too rapidly, resulting in the tail skid contact with the runway.
• Aircraft and Crew Response: The Ryanair crew demonstrated professionalism in managing the incident. The aircraft’s systems were monitored closely throughout the flight, and the decision to continue the journey to Paphos suggests that the crew assessed the situation as being under control after the tail strike. Upon arrival, the aircraft underwent a routine inspection, confirming that the tail skid performed its protective function as designed.

Conclusion:

The minor tail strike incident involving Ryanair’s Boeing 737 MAX during takeoff from Birmingham serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise during severe weather conditions, such as those posed by Storm Lilian. Although the tail skid briefly contacted the runway, the aircraft continued its journey safely and landed without further complications. Following a precautionary inspection in Paphos, the aircraft was cleared for continued service, with only a minor delay to its next flight. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining vigilance during adverse weather and the role of safety systems, such as the tail skid, in preventing more severe damage during such occurrences.

Investigations may focus on the role of the weather conditions and any operational factors that contributed to the tail strike, but the prompt and effective response from the crew ensured that the flight concluded without further incident.