A recent Qatar Airways tailstrike incident involving an Airbus A350-900 at Islamabad International Airport (ISB) in Pakistan has caused damage to the aircraft’s aft fuselage. The event underscores the importance of safety in the aviation industry and the need for preparedness in handling such occurrences. In this article, we delve into the details of the incident, its impact on flight operations, and Qatar Airways’ response to ensure passenger safety and comfort.

Incident Details

The Airbus A350-900, registered as A7-ALN, was operating flight QR614 between Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) and ISB on April 16, 2023. The tailstrike occurred during landing, after which the flight crew initiated a go-around. According to data from flightradar24.com, the aircraft first attempted to land at ISB at 7:47 AM local time (UTC +5) and finally touched down at 8:00 AM local time (UTC +5) after reaching a peak altitude of 5,075 feet (1,546 meters) during the second approach.

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Impact on Flight Operations

Since the incident, the Airbus A350-900 has remained grounded at ISB. Consequently, Qatar Airways canceled two return flights between ISB and DOH, scheduled for April 16 and 17, 2023, as per flightradar24.com data. Meanwhile, flight QR633 to Doha, operated by a Boeing 777-300, proceeded as planned on April 17, 2023.

Aircraft History and Inspection

Delivered to Qatar Airways on February 27, 2017, the Airbus A350-900 has logged a total of 29,086 flight hours (FH) and 4,412 flight cycles (FC) as of January 31, 2023, according to ch-aviation.com data. In an official statement, a Qatar Airways spokesperson confirmed the go-around and subsequent safe landing of flight QR614. The airline is currently inspecting the aircraft for potential tailstrike damage, causing delays in the return flight.

Conclusion

The tailstrike incident involving Qatar Airways’ Airbus A350-900 at Islamabad International Airport highlights the importance of safety measures and preparedness in the aviation industry. While such incidents are rare, they serve as crucial reminders for airlines and industry professionals to remain vigilant in ensuring the highest safety standards.

Have you ever experienced a tailstrike during a flight? Share your story and how it was handled by the airline in the comments below.