Overview
On August 4th, 2024, a VivaAerobus Airbus A321-200, registration XA-VCC, operating flight VB-1268 from Mexico City to Torreon, Mexico, experienced a tail strike during landing on runway 31 at Francisco Sarabia International Airport (Torreon).
• Aircraft Details: Airbus A321-200
• Passengers: Unreported
• Crew: Unreported
• Injuries: None reported
• Damage: Unknown
• Status: Under investigation by Mexico’s AIB
Sequence of Events
1. Approach and Landing
• The aircraft was conducting a routine flight from Mexico City to Torreon.
• During the landing on runway 31, the aircraft’s tail contacted the runway surface, indicating a tail strike incident.
2. Post-Incident Operations
• Despite the tail strike, the aircraft continued its scheduled operations, performing the return flight VB-1269 and two subsequent rotations (VB-1022/VB-1023 and VB-1108/VB-1109).
3. Grounding and Inspection
• The aircraft was taken out of service and remained on the ground in Mexico City for 13 days for inspections and potential repairs.
• The aircraft returned to service on August 17th, 2024.
Investigation
Preliminary Findings
1. Damage Assessment
• Initial reports from Mexico’s AIB confirmed a tail strike during landing, but the extent of damage to the aircraft remains unknown.
• Post-flight inspections likely revealed structural or surface damage to the aft fuselage or tail skid.
2. Contributing Factors
• Landing Technique: A high pitch attitude or improper descent rate during touchdown could have caused the tail to contact the runway.
• Weather Conditions: Wind conditions at the time of landing may have played a role in the approach and touchdown dynamics.
3. Flight Data Analysis
• The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) are expected to provide critical insights into the aircraft’s pitch, speed, descent rate, and crew communications during the landing sequence.
Operational and Safety Recommendations
1. Pilot Training
• Review and reinforce procedures for flare management and touchdown techniques, especially for the A321, which is more susceptible to tail strikes due to its length.
2. Aircraft Inspections
• Conduct thorough inspections of the aft fuselage, tail skid, and structural components to ensure no latent damage remains.
3. Landing Data Review
• Analyse historical landing data for the route and Torreon’s runway characteristics to identify any recurring risks.
4. Weather Considerations
• Ensure accurate dissemination of real-time wind conditions during approach phases, particularly in challenging environments.
Conclusion
The tail strike at Torreon underscores the importance of precision during the landing phase, particularly with elongated aircraft models like the Airbus A321. The ongoing investigation by Mexico’s AIB will determine whether procedural, environmental, or technical factors contributed to the incident.
Disclaimer
This report is based on the evidence and information available as of January 7th, 2025. For image takedown requests, contact takedown@cockpitking.com. Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
