Created Thursday, Aug 12th 2021 16:26Z, last updated Wednesday, Jul 20th 2022 18:51Z
A UPS United Parcel Service McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter, registration N296UP performing flight
5X-2876 from Louisville,KY to Phoenix,AZ (USA), landed on Phoenix Sky Harbor's runway 25L but rejected landing and went around at 17:45L (00:45Z), tower immediately queried whether any assistance was needed, the crew declined. The crew of another aircraft reported to tower the MD-11 just had a tail strike. A runway inspection was initiated, nothing was found on the runway and the runway was returned to service. The MD-11 positioned for another approach to runway 25R and landed without further incident about 10 minutes after the balked landing.
The FAA reported: "AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED A TAIL STRIKE DURING LANDING AT PHOENIX, AZ (PHX)", the damage was minor. The occurrence was rated an incident.
On Sep 15th 2021 the NTSB reported the aircraft sustained substantial damage, rated the occurrence an accident and opened an investigation.
The occurrence aircraft positioned to San Antonio,TX (USA) on Aug 16th 2021, remained on the ground there, and is currently estimated to depart San Antonio to Seattle Boeing Field,WA (USA) later Sep 15th.
On Jul 20th 2022 the NTSB released their final report concluding the probable cause of the accident was:
The flight crew’s incorrect pitch attitude during go-around.
The NTSB analysed:
The airplane experienced a tailstrike during a go-around at Phoenix-Sky Harbor International Airport (KPHX). The aircraft was substantially damaged, and there were no injuries. The operator and flight crew reported the flight to KPHX was normal. While on approach the crew noted some virga in the area and a wind shift. The crew reported the touchdown appeared normal and the spoilers began deploying. The pilot flying began to apply thrust reversers, and the crew noted the nose pitch up. The flight crew executed a go-around and returned for an uneventful landing. Post-flight inspection revealed damage to the lower aft fuselage. Maintenance examination revealed damage to the aft pressure bulkhead.
