Date: 21st November 2024
Location: Bogota El Dorado Airport, Colombia
Aircraft: Airbus A320-200, registration HC-CSF
Operator: Avianca Ecuador
Flight Number: AV-8372
Route: Quito, Ecuador to Bogota, Colombia
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 21st November 2024, Avianca Ecuador flight AV-8372, an Airbus A320-200, experienced a tail strike while executing a go-around at Bogota’s El Dorado Airport (runway 14L). The go-around was initiated due to challenging wind conditions. During the manoeuvre, the aircraft briefly touched down, causing the tail to contact the runway surface. After repositioning for another approach, the aircraft landed without further incident.
Despite the tail strike, the aircraft continued to operate three additional scheduled sectors before damage was identified the following day. Inspections revealed minor damage to the water drain mast on the bottom of the fuselage. Ecuador’s Junta de Investigación de Accidentes (JIA) classified the event as a serious incident.
The aircraft underwent necessary repairs and returned to service on 24th November 2024.
Aircraft Information
The Airbus A320-200 is a short- to medium-haul, narrow-body airliner equipped with a tricycle landing gear and a tail skid designed to absorb minor impacts during abnormal pitch scenarios. It is powered by two turbofan engines and features a fly-by-wire control system.
Key Specifications:
• Length: 37.57 m
• Wingspan: 35.8 m
• Typical Approach Speed: ~130-140 knots depending on weight and configuration
Sequence of Events
1. Approach and Go-Around:
• During final approach to runway 14L, the crew encountered adverse wind conditions, leading to an unstable approach.
• A go-around was initiated at a low altitude. However, the aircraft momentarily touched the runway surface.
2. Tail Strike:
• The tail contacted the runway during the manoeuvre. Data from onboard sensors likely recorded the impact.
• Despite the strike, the crew executed the go-around and repositioned the aircraft.
3. Subsequent Landing:
• The second approach and landing proceeded without incident.
4. Post-Incident Operations:
• The aircraft continued to operate three scheduled flights. Maintenance teams later identified damage to the fuselage’s water drain mast during inspections.
Initial Findings
Possible Causes of Tail Strike
1. Pitch Attitude During Go-Around:
• A high nose-up pitch angle may have exceeded the safe threshold, causing the tail to strike the runway.
2. Wind Conditions:
• Adverse wind, including possible wind shear or gusts, likely contributed to the unstable approach and subsequent tail strike.
3. Aircraft Weight and Configuration:
• The go-around thrust and aircraft configuration may have increased the pitch rate, leading to the contact.
4. Crew Decision-Making:
• The decision to execute the go-around at low altitude was appropriate for safety but may have been influenced by unexpected wind conditions.
Maintenance Actions
Following the identification of damage:
• Inspections:
• The fuselage and tail section, including the water drain mast, were inspected for structural integrity.
• Sensors and flight data recorders were analysed to assess the severity of the strike.
• Repairs:
• The damaged water drain mast was repaired or replaced.
• Operational Checks:
• The aircraft underwent additional system checks before returning to service.
Safety Risks
1. Structural Damage:
• Tail strikes can cause significant structural damage to the aft fuselage, including skin buckling and frame deformation, which may compromise the aircraft’s airworthiness if not identified promptly.
2. Operational Continuation Post-Incident:
• Operating three additional sectors without identifying the damage posed a potential safety risk.
3. Crew Workload During Go-Around:
• High workload and challenging wind conditions increase the risk of deviations in pitch control during go-around procedures.
Recommendations
1. Tail Strike Awareness:
• Reinforce training for pilots on handling go-arounds, particularly the risks of high pitch attitudes during such manoeuvres.
2. Wind Monitoring:
• Improve real-time wind monitoring and reporting to provide crews with accurate and timely data.
3. Post-Incident Inspections:
• Mandate immediate inspections following a suspected tail strike to ensure airworthiness before subsequent flights.
4. Aircraft Damage Monitoring:
• Equip aircraft with enhanced damage monitoring systems to alert maintenance teams of potential structural impacts.
Safety Lessons and Industry Impact
This incident highlights the importance of meticulous handling of go-arounds under adverse weather conditions. It also underscores the need for thorough post-flight inspections after abnormal events to ensure continued airworthiness and passenger safety.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
