AAIB investigation to Airbus A350-1041, G-XWBC

Tailstrike during go-around, London Heathrow Airport, 2 January 2022.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 18 August 2022

• Category: Commercial - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Field investigation
• Date of occurrence: 2 January 2022
• Aircraft type: Airbus A350-1041
• Location: London Heathrow Airport
• Registration: G-XWBC

Summary:

The aircraft was approaching Runway 27L at London Heathrow airport at the end of a flight from Dubai. During the flare for landing the aircraft “floated” and the crew believed it would not land within the runway Touchdown Zone (TDZ). A go-around was initiated from low height and speed; the subsequent pitch rate applied caused the aircraft to reach a nose-up attitude sufficient to cause a tailstrike. The aircraft subsequently landed safely and there were no injuries.

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Airbus A350-1041, G-XWBC 09-22

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 18 August 2022