Incident Analysis: TUIfly Boeing 737-800 at Heraklion on 9th October 2024 – Unusual Runway Contact

On 9th October 2024, a TUIfly Boeing 737-800, registered as D-ATUF, operating flight X3-4106 from Hanover, Germany, to Heraklion, Greece, experienced an unusual runway contact while landing on Heraklion’s runway 27. Despite the unusual event during the landing, the aircraft rolled out safely and taxied to the apron without further incident. The aircraft then departed as scheduled for its return flight X3-4107 back to Hanover, although it faced a minor delay upon arrival at its next destination.

This incident raised initial concerns, but the airline later clarified that no part of the aircraft’s wing or other components made contact with the runway during the landing.

Overview of the Incident

Flight X3-4106 landed at Heraklion International Airport under normal conditions, but witnesses and reports indicated an unusual runway contact during the landing phase. However, the aircraft completed its rollout and taxied to the gate without further complications. After undergoing standard checks, the aircraft departed for its return flight to Hanover as planned, albeit with a slight delay due to an extended stay on the ground.

On the same day, TUIfly released a statement addressing the unusual event, confirming that there was no contact between the aircraft’s wings or wing components and the runway surface. This clarification ruled out any structural damage to the aircraft and ensured the continued safety of its operations.

Runway Contact: Possible Causes

While the exact cause of the unusual runway contact remains unclear, several factors could potentially contribute to such events during landing:

1. Crosswind Conditions: Crosswinds can affect an aircraft’s stability during landing, potentially causing the wings to tilt or the landing gear to experience uneven contact with the runway. In such cases, pilots must execute precise control inputs to maintain a balanced touchdown.

2. Pilot Technique: Anomalies in landing technique, such as a firm touchdown or slightly uneven landing, could result in unusual runway contact. However, modern aircraft are designed to withstand minor variations in landing without any risk of damage.

3. Runway Surface Conditions: Factors such as uneven or slippery runway surfaces could contribute to unusual landing behaviour. In Heraklion, weather conditions or runway maintenance may have played a role, although no such factors were immediately reported.

Immediate Response and Follow-up

Following the unusual contact, the aircraft was inspected, and no structural damage was found. The fact that the aircraft continued its next scheduled flight without significant delay or additional inspections suggests that the incident did not involve any serious mechanical or structural issues.

TUIfly’s timely statement clarified that no part of the aircraft’s wings touched the runway, likely addressing any safety concerns among passengers and stakeholders.

Conclusion

The incident involving TUIfly flight X3-4106 at Heraklion demonstrates how even minor anomalies during landing can raise concerns and require prompt clarification from the airline. The absence of any damage or further complications ensured that the flight schedule resumed with minimal disruption, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to safety. While runway contact incidents may appear concerning, they often result from minor variations in landing conditions and do not necessarily pose a risk to aircraft integrity or passenger safety.