WestJet Boeing 737 Returns to Calgary After Tail Strike on Departure

Calgary, AB – On June 25th, 2024, a WestJet Boeing 737-800, registration C-FZRM, was forced to return to Calgary International Airport shortly after departure due to a tail strike incident. The aircraft, operating as flight WS-1572 from Calgary to Houston Intercontinental, TX, had 179 passengers on board when the tail of the aircraft made contact with the runway during takeoff from Calgary’s runway 35R.

Incident Overview

The flight took off from Calgary at around 9:30 AM local time, beginning what was scheduled to be a routine flight to Houston. However, as the aircraft rotated for takeoff, the tail of the Boeing 737-800 scraped the runway surface. Despite the tail strike, the flight crew continued the climb to the planned cruising altitude of FL350 (35,000 feet).

Once at cruising altitude, the flight crew contacted WestJet’s company maintenance team to assess the situation. After a thorough evaluation and considering the potential risks associated with a tail strike, including structural damage and pressurization issues, the decision was made to return to Calgary as a precautionary measure.

Return to Calgary and Precautionary Measures

The crew prepared the aircraft for a return to Calgary, following the procedures outlined in the tail strike checklist. As part of these safety measures, the cabin was depressurized, and the crew declared a PAN-PAN with air traffic services, indicating an urgent situation that did not pose an immediate threat to life or the aircraft.

The aircraft landed safely back at Calgary International Airport approximately one hour after its initial departure, touching down again on runway 35R. The landing was described as uneventful, and the aircraft taxied to a designated area where it was met by emergency response teams as a precaution. The passengers disembarked normally, and there were no reports of injuries.

Inspection and Investigation

Following the incident, WestJet’s maintenance team conducted a detailed inspection of the aircraft, focusing on the tail section and any potential damage resulting from the tail strike. The inspection included an overweight landing assessment due to the higher landing weight from the unused fuel.

The Canadian Transportation Safety Board (TSB) was notified and conducted its own investigation into the occurrence. The TSB’s report confirmed that during the takeoff rotation, the tail had made contact with the runway, but no significant structural damage was found upon inspection. The aircraft was cleared for service after being grounded for approximately 68 hours to ensure all safety protocols were met.

Operational Impact

The tail strike incident resulted in the cancellation of flight WS-1572 to Houston, leading to delays for the passengers. A replacement aircraft, another Boeing 737-800 registered C-GWRG, was dispatched to complete the flight, which eventually reached Houston with a delay of about 5 hours and 40 minutes.

WestJet worked to accommodate affected passengers, offering rebooking options and assistance to minimize the disruption to their travel plans.

Conclusion

The incident involving WestJet flight WS-1572 underscores the importance of strict adherence to safety procedures and the effective communication between flight crews and maintenance teams in managing in-flight emergencies. The flight crew’s prompt and professional response, combined with the thorough inspections conducted by WestJet’s maintenance team, ensured the safety of all passengers and the aircraft.

While tail strikes are rare, they can pose serious risks if not handled correctly. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that training, protocols, and communication play in aviation safety. The aircraft’s return to service without any issues found further highlights the effectiveness of the airline’s safety management system in addressing such occurrences.