Tail Strike

[Abel Coelho]

Can anyone tell me if the majority of the tail Strikes are classified as a "ACCIDENT" or "SERIOUS INCIDENT" ?

[de facto]

Most probably a serious incident,how damaged was the tail?

[BOAC]

If fitted with a compressible tail-skid like the 737-400 and just a 'brush', probably just a tech log entry.

[de facto]

BOAC If fitted with a compressible tail-skid like the 737-400 and just a 'brush', probably just a tech log entry.

True ,however in China it would be,rightfully,a trip to the sim ,if more than the paint and the green out of sight....pack your bag(s).

[BOAC]

If that was in one 'tail strike' I can understand it; if one was just the unfortunate pilot to 'use up' the last of the 'green'............................................a bit harsh!

[Piltdown Man]

...if more than the paint and the green out of sight....pack your bag(s).

This and trips to the sim. are not the way you improve safety (and in this case, prevent tailstrikes). It will take time but eventually all airlines will come to the conclusion that humans make mistakes. They might also find that not all tailstrikes were the result of inappropriate or poor flying technique - but they'll have to kill a few thousand to find this out. Once this has been learnt, the real prevention work can start.

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