Severe Tailstrike During Takeoff! Boeing 777-300 Sustains Significant Damage

12 July 2024, 09:57 published

On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, a severe tailstrike incident occurred during takeoff at Milan Malpensa Airport. A LATAM Brasil Boeing 777-300 (registered PT-MUG) experienced significant damage while departing from runway 35L en route to Sao Paulo. CCTV footage captured the plane’s tail striking the runway during takeoff.

According to the CCTV footage, the Boeing 777-300 initiated its rotation too early, causing the tail to drag along the runway for about 10 seconds. The control tower immediately noticed the situation and alerted the pilots. Consequently, the aircraft circled at an altitude of 6,000 feet for approximately an hour.

Severe Tailstrike During Takeoff! Boeing 777-300 Sustains Significant Damage

The pilots safely landed the aircraft on runway 35R one hour and nine minutes after takeoff. It was reported that the aircraft sustained considerable damage and has since been grounded. Due to the tail damage, technical teams have begun inspections, and the aircraft has been withdrawn from flight operations to undergo necessary repairs.

Thanks to the pilots’ swift and effective response, no passengers or crew members were injured. Passengers were calmly evacuated and escorted to a secure area by airport authorities despite the gravity of the situation.

Investigation Underway

LATAM Brasil and Milan Malpensa Airport authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the incident. Initial assessments suggest that the early rotation during takeoff and the subsequent tailstrike were primary factors. However, detailed technical examinations will ascertain the precise causes, and appropriate measures will be implemented to prevent future occurrences.

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Severe Tailstrike During Takeoff! Boeing 777-300 Sustains Significant Damage