LATAM Boeing 777 suffers a tail strike in Milan: Here's more to know

Italian aviation safety investigators, ANSV (Agenzia Nazionale per la Sicurezza del Volo), have released a preliminary report on a LATAM Airlines Boeing 777-300ER (registered PT-MUG) that suffered a tail strike incident at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) on July 9, 2024.

The report highlights pilot error as a contributing factor to the incident.

Key Findings:

The aircraft scraped the runway for approximately 723 meters (2,372 ft) during takeoff before becoming airborne.The onboard tail strike warning system activated, and air traffic control (ATC) notified the pilots of the incident.The flight crew safely returned to MXP after dumping fuel, landing uneventfully approximately 32 minutes later.

The aircraft sustained damage to the tail skid, drain mast, and tail strike sensor.

Analysis of the onboard Flight Management System (FMS) data revealed that the pilots had entered incorrect takeoff speeds (V1, VR, and V2) that were significantly lower than the recommended values for the prevailing weight and weather conditions.

LATAM Airlines' performance calculations, using the onboard performance tool (OTP) with the same weight and weather data, indicated significantly higher V-speeds for a safe takeoff.

Ongoing Investigation

The ANSV report is preliminary, and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing. No official statements have been made regarding potential penalties for the pilots involved.

LATAM Response

LATAM Airlines has not yet commented publicly on the ANSV report.

Safety First

This incident underscores the critical importance of accurate takeoff calculations and adherence to established procedures.

Passengers can find comfort in the robust safety protocols followed by aviation authorities and airlines to ensure safe air travel.