What's Happening?
Irish investigators have concluded that a sudden pitch-up input during a bounced landing led to a tail-strike incident involving an Aer Lingus Airbus A321LR at Washington Dulles Airport. The event occurred on August 30, 2023, when the aircraft, arriving from Dublin, deviated from its glideslope due to gusting wind conditions. The first officer, manually flying the aircraft, made a nose-down input at 120 feet, coinciding with a loss of headwind, which increased the descent rate. A rapid aft sidestick movement reduced the descent rate, but upon touchdown, only one of the three spoiler elevator computers validated the landing gear, preventing automatic compensation to the elevators. The aircraft bounced, and an intuitive pitch-up input by the first officer exceeded the tail-strike threshold, causing the aft fuselage to contact the runway. The captain then took control and initiated a go-around, landing safely afterward. The incident resulted in minor injuries to two cabin crew members and damage to the aircraft's aft fuselage.
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Why It's Important?
This investigation highlights critical aspects of pilot training and aircraft system logic in preventing tail-strike incidents. The findings underscore the importance of simulator training for go-arounds and tail-strike awareness, which Aer Lingus has since enhanced. Additionally, Airbus plans to improve system logic for spoiler compensation by mid-2028, aiming to prevent similar occurrences. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges pilots face in adverse weather conditions and the need for robust training and system support to ensure passenger safety. The aviation industry may see changes in training protocols and aircraft design to mitigate such risks.
What's Next?
Aer Lingus has already taken steps to improve simulator training for pilots, focusing on go-arounds near the ground and tail-strike awareness. Airbus is expected to implement improvements in system logic for spoiler compensation by mid-2028, which could enhance safety measures across its fleet. The aviation industry may observe increased emphasis on training and system upgrades to prevent similar incidents, potentially influencing regulatory standards and airline practices.
Beyond the Headlines
The incident raises questions about the balance between manual flying skills and reliance on automated systems in modern aviation. It also highlights the need for continuous updates to training programs and aircraft systems to adapt to evolving challenges in air travel. The focus on enhancing pilot training and system logic reflects broader industry trends towards improving safety and operational efficiency.
