AAIB investigation to Boeing 787-900, VH-ZND

Tail strike before lift-off, London Heathrow Airport, 9 February 2020.

From:
Air Accidents Investigation Branch
Published
12 November 2020
Category:
Commercial - fixed wing
Report type:
Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
Date of occurrence:
9 February 2020
Aircraft type:
Boeing 787-900
Location:
London Heathrow Airport
Registration:
VH-ZND

Summary:

The aircraft was departing from Runway 27R at London Heathrow Airport (EGLL) in strong and gusty wind conditions. The surface wind passed by the Tower controller with the takeoff clearance was ‘220˚ at 28 kt gusting 44 kt. Shortly after aircraft rotation was initiated, variations in airspeed were experienced combined with larger than normal pitch control inputs on the Pilot Flying’s (PF) control wheel, which resulted in the tail strike sensor contacting the runway surface.

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Boeing 787-900, VH-ZND 11-20

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Glossary of abbreviations

Updates to this page

Published 12 November 2020
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