Tail of Ryanair jet strikes runway

Tail of Ryanair jet strikes runway -

A Ryanair Boeing 737-800, registration EI-DWV performing flight FR-1902 from Krakow (Poland) to Dublin (Ireland) with 125 passengers and 6 crew, was departing Krakow's runway 25 at 13:09L (11:09Z) when during rotation for takeoff the tail of the aircraft contacted the runway surface. The crew continued the takeoff, stopped the climb at 5000 feet and returned to Krakow for a safe landing on runway 25 about 25 minutes after departure.

A replacement Boeing 737-800 registration EI-DCZ reached Dublin with a delay of 8:15 hours.


The jet returned safely to Krakow in Poland 25 minutes after its tail struck the runway on taking off last Sunday 31st March. There was a delay of eight hours before a replacement aircraft flew the 127 passengers to Dublin.

Tail-strikes are a common cause of aircraft damage although aircraft have a built-in “bumper” cartridge or skid to absorb much of the force of contact with the runway. Ryanair spokesman Robin Kiely said an inspection afterwards revealed “a minor scrape on the tail skid”.

There was no further damage to the aircraft, Mr Kiely added.

Tail-strikes can be caused by taking off at too slow a speed or by energetic handling of the aircraft’s control column on take-off, although errors in the distribution of baggage and passengers can be a contributory factor. Weather conditions can also be a consideration.

“Ryanair is fully co-operating with investigating authorities in order to establish the cause of the incident,” Mr Kiely said.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Unit of the Department of Transport in Dublin said any inquiry will be a matter for the Polish aviation authorities.

Aircraft is flying today 2nd April 18:22 Hrs
Flight: FR5445
From: Paris, Beauvais (BVA)
To: Madrid, Barajas (MAD)
Aircraft: Boeing 737-8AS (B738)

Incident: Ryanair B738 at Malta on Apr 9th 2013, tail scrape on takeoff

Another - must be a new trend

A Ryanair Boeing 737-800, registration EI-DWP performing flight FR-3883 from Malta (Malta) to London Luton,EN (UK), departed Luqa Airport's runway 13 when upon rotation for takeoff the crew received indication the tail of the aircraft had contacted the runway surface. The crew stopped the climb at 5000 feet and returned to Malta for a safe landing on runway 13 about 35 minutes after departure.

A replacement Boeing 737-800 registration EI-EGD and was estimated to reach London with a delay of 8 hours.

The aircraft is again flying-

Flight: FR4125
From: Girona, Girona (GRO)
To: Hahn, Hahn/Frankfurt (HHN)
Aircraft: Boeing 737-8AS (B738)
ETA: 13:12 UTC (in 00:51)
Reg: EI-DPW
Altitude: 40000 ft (12192 m)
Speed: 431 kt (798 km/h, 496 mph)
Track: 3°
Hex: 4CA562
Squawk: 5514
Pos: 44.8333 / 6.7869
Radar: T-LSGG1