On October 15, 2024, a Brussels Airlines Airbus A320 was involved in a tail strike during its landing at Brussels Airport (BRU). The incident occurred when the aircraft bounced upon landing, leading to the tail of the plane making contact with the runway. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
Details of the Incident
The Airbus A320, which was completing a routine flight, encountered issues while landing, causing the aircraft to bounce on its initial touchdown. This resulted in a tail strike, a situation where the rear end of the aircraft scrapes the runway surface. Tail strikes typically happen when the aircraft’s nose is too high during landing or takeoff.
Immediately after the incident, the pilots brought the plane to a full stop, and emergency services were on standby as a precautionary measure. All passengers were deplaned safely, and no significant injuries were recorded.
The aircraft was taken out of service for inspection and repairs, while the runway was briefly closed to assess any potential damage caused by the impact. Initial reports suggest that the damage to the aircraft’s structure was localized, though a thorough investigation by aviation safety authorities and Brussels Airlines has been launched to determine the root cause of the bounce and subsequent tail strike.
Passenger Reactions and Response
Passengers on board the flight were understandably shaken by the event but praised the professionalism of the crew and the swift response by emergency teams. One passenger described the landing as “rough,” noting that they felt the bounce but were unaware of the tail strike until after the aircraft had safely come to a halt.
Brussels Airlines issued a statement shortly after the incident, confirming that there were no serious injuries and that the safety of passengers remains the airline’s top priority. The company has pledged full cooperation with authorities as they investigate the cause of the landing issue.
What Is a Tail Strike?
A tail strike occurs when the tail of an aircraft makes unintended contact with the ground, typically during takeoff or landing. In most cases, tail strikes are not life-threatening but can lead to structural damage to the aircraft. Depending on the severity, an aircraft may require repairs or undergo more extensive safety inspections before returning to service.
Investigations Underway
Authorities, including Brussels Airlines and aviation safety officials, are conducting a detailed investigation into the causes of the tail strike. Factors such as weather conditions, mechanical issues, and pilot actions are all being scrutinized as part of the standard post-incident procedure.
Tail strikes are relatively rare but are taken seriously by airlines and safety regulators due to the potential for aircraft damage. The final results of the investigation will be used to implement any necessary improvements to ensure that such incidents are minimized in the future.
This incident underscores the complexity and risks involved in aviation, even in routine procedures like landings. Brussels Airlines has assured passengers that their fleet meets the highest safety standards and that this isolated event is being thoroughly examined to prevent future occurrences.
While this incident might cause concern, the professional handling by Brussels Airlines and the quick response from airport services ensured the safety of all passengers involved. Travelers are encouraged to remain confident in Brussels Airlines’ ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational safety.
