Two Aer Lingus cabin crew members sustained minor injuries during a tailstrike caused by an aborted landing at Washington Dulles Airport, according to a new report by the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU). The incident occurred on 30 August 2023 during a transatlantic flight from Dublin to Washington on an Airbus A321.
The aircraft experienced a tailstrike—where the tail makes contact with the runway—due to the plane veering too high out of the glidepath during landing. A reduction in headwind and airspeed caused a partial loss of lift, which the pilot attempted to correct. During the landing manoeuvre, the aircraft bounced, pitching up beyond its tailstrike limit and striking the runway.
The plane became airborne again after the initial touchdown, and the pilot initiated a go-around, landing uneventfully on the second attempt. The injured crew members, seated at the rear, reported lower back ache and strain. One crew member described the first touchdown as similar to a hard landing and heard a bang from underneath the aircraft during the second touchdown.
The pilot in command stated that the first time he learned of the rear crew's concerns was upon arrival at the crew hotel. He noted that the weather forecast did not indicate adverse conditions, but gusty conditions in the final 100 feet caused the aircraft to become too high on its flightpath. He described the bounce as 'fairly significant' and the scenario as a 'classic' tailstrike.
External damage to the aircraft included material loss, punctures, and cracks, but minimal internal defects were found. Scrape marks consistent with a tailstrike were observed on the runway. The aircraft was grounded and returned to service in January 2024, five months later.
An Aer Lingus spokesperson stated that the airline engaged extensively with the AAIU and implemented safety actions, including training on awareness and identification of tailstrikes, as well as simulator training. The AAIU report contained no safety recommendations.
