B773, Amsterdam Netherlands, 2017

B773, Amsterdam Netherlands, 2017

Summary

On 21 April 2017, a Boeing 777-300 which had just departed Amsterdam was advised by ATC of a suspected tail strike and by cabin crew of a scraping noise during takeoff. Fuel dumping was followed by a return to land and evidence of a minor tail strike was identified. The Investigation found that the tail strike had resulted from a gross error in data input to the takeoff performance calculation which resulted in inadequate thrust, slow acceleration and rotation at a speed so low that had an engine malfunction occurred, safe continuation or rejection of takeoff would have been problematic.

Description

On 21 April 2017, a Boeing 777-300 (VT-JEW) being operated by Jet Airways on a scheduled international passenger flight from Amsterdam to Toronto as 9W234 had just taken off from runway 18C in day VMC when it became evident that a tail strike may have occurred. After fuel dumping and return, this was confirmed although the runway contact was not sufficient to compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft.  

Investigation

A Serious Incident Investigation was carried out by the Dutch Safety Board making use of relevant data from the CVR and the FDR. The experience or duty period of the operating crew was not recorded nor was the presence or absence of any observing supernumerary crew on the flight deck.

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