AAIB investigation to Boeing 787-900, VH-ZND
Tail strike before lift-off, London Heathrow Airport, 9 February 2020.
Summary:
The aircraft was departing from Runway 27R at London Heathrow Airport (EGLL) in strong and gusty wind conditions. The surface wind passed by the Tower controller with the takeoff clearance was ‘220˚ at 28 kt gusting 44 kt. Shortly after aircraft rotation was initiated, variations in airspeed were experienced combined with larger than normal pitch control inputs on the Pilot Flying’s (PF) control wheel, which resulted in the tail strike sensor contacting the runway surface.
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Published 12 November 2020