Dramatic footage has captured a Jet2 flight from the UK aborting its landing in Lanzarote, with the aircraft's tail coming perilously close to the runway. The incident involved flight LS11DF from Birmingham to Lanzarote, which executed a go-around moments after its wheels made contact with the ground.
Incident Details
The Airbus A321, which can carry up to 232 passengers, was seen climbing steeply away from the tarmac after the aborted landing attempt. The footage, provided by Lanzarote Webcam, shows the aircraft's tail nearly striking the runway. The webcam team captioned the video: "Yesterday, we saw this nice touch-and-go-around with almost tail touch of Jet2 flight from Birmingham (LS11DF/EXS11DF) when it landed on the runway at Lanzarote Airport."
Flight Timeline
The flight departed Birmingham at 3:30 PM on Sunday and eventually landed at César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport in Arrecife on its second attempt at approximately 7:33 PM local time. The reason for the pilot's decision to initiate a takeoff or go-around, known in aviation as TOGA, remains unclear.
Social Media Reactions
One social media user commented: "That was pretty close to a tail strike imo. Wonder if that's why it went back up?" Another added: "He must have come in too fast and couldn't employ the spoilers. The nose went up and not down; was there a strong gust of wind? If that happens, then TOGA was the right call."
Context and Comparison
The Independent has contacted Jet2 for comment. In a similar incident last October, Storm Amy forced a Ryanair flight to divert multiple times while attempting to land. Flight FR3418 from Pisa to Prestwick, Scotland, faced amber wind warnings due to the storm. Passengers experienced a journey lasting over 10 hours, including several landing attempts and a coach transfer from Manchester to South Ayrshire.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the challenges pilots face during adverse conditions. The aviation industry continues to emphasize safety protocols, with ongoing discussions about passenger behavior and flight disruptions. The government has proposed nationwide flight bans for disruptive passengers, underscoring the importance of maintaining order and safety in the skies.
