Created Wednesday, Jul 2nd 2025 09:26Z, last updated Wednesday, Jul 2nd 2025 09:26Z
A Ryanair Boeing 737-800, registration EI-EFJ performing flight
FR-7609 from Chania (Greece) to London Stansted,EN (UK), departed Chania's runway 29 when the aircraft's tail contacted the runway surface upon rotation. The aircraft climbed to 5000 feet, entered a several holds and diverted to Athens for a safe landing on runway 03L about 100 minutes after departure.
A passenger reported the crew indicated a tail strike on departure making a diversion to Athens necessary. Upon inspection the aircraft was not deemed fit to continue the flight, maintenance had inspected the tail of the aircraft using ladders. A replacement aircraft took them to London. The airline later told the passengers in e-mail, the reason for the diversion was ATC delays.
The replacement Boeing 737-800 registration 9H-QDW took the passengers to London.
The occurrence aircraft returned to service about 13 hours after landing.
Related Flight:
FR7609,
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