Full Breakdown
Cathay Pacific A350-1000 Grounded Following Tail Strike Incident
12/4/2025, 5:11:15 AM
Incident Overview: Tail Strike During Go-Around
On November 26, 2025, a Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-1000, operating flight CX764 from Ho Chi Minh City to Hong Kong, experienced a tail strike during a go-around at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). The incident occurred when the aircraft, approaching Runway 07C, veered left during its initial landing attempt, prompting the flight crew to execute a go-around. Despite the tail strike, the aircraft successfully climbed to 6,000 feet and completed a second landing without injuries. The aircraft has since been grounded for inspections and repairs, remaining out of service for four days.
Technical Details of the Incident
A tail strike occurs when the underside of an aircraft's tail contacts the runway, typically due to excessive nose-up pitch during landing or takeoff. In this case, the A350-1000's tail made contact with the runway during the go-around maneuver, not during the landing itself. Data from FlightRadar24 indicates that the aircraft landed safely 34 minutes behind schedule, at 11 minutes before midnight local time. The A350-1000 involved is relatively new, having been in service for approximately four years.
Tail Strike Prevention Measures
Tail strikes are a known risk in aviation, particularly during landing, with Airbus data indicating that 65% of such incidents occur during this phase. To mitigate these risks, manufacturers have developed various technologies. Airbus aircraft feature pitch limitations displayed on the Primary Flight Display and audio alerts that activate when pitch exceeds safe thresholds. Boeing's Tail-Strike Protection system, introduced in 2003, automatically adjusts elevator positions during takeoff to prevent tail strikes.
Pilot Training and Preparedness
Pilots undergo rigorous training to handle abnormal scenarios, including go-arounds. They participate in simulator assessments every six months to practice manual aircraft handling and responses to non-routine situations. This training is crucial, as go-arounds require precise coordination of thrust and pitch inputs to ensure safe climbs without risking structural damage.
Official Statements & Responses
Cathay Pacific has confirmed that the A350-1000 remains grounded while engineering teams conduct necessary inspections and repairs. The airline has not provided a specific timeline for the aircraft's return to service but is expected to release further updates as the situation develops.
Criticism & Opposition
While the incident has prompted discussions about tail-strike prevention technology and pilot training, some critics argue that reliance on automated systems may lead to complacency among pilots. They emphasize the importance of manual flying skills, particularly in high-stakes situations like go-arounds.
What's Next: Future Implications
The grounding of the A350-1000 has raised questions about the effectiveness of current tail-strike prevention measures and pilot training protocols. As Cathay Pacific continues its review of operational procedures, the airline may implement additional training or technology enhancements to further reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Despite the tail strike, the aircraft climbed normally to 6,000 feet before circling for a second approach on the same runway.” — Aviation Herald
- “Cathay Pacific A350-900; Photo- Kwok Ho Eddie Wong | Flickr Preventive Technology to Reduce Tail-Strike Risk Tail strikes are more common on landing than takeoff, with Airbus data indicating 65 percent occurring during landing and 25 percent during takeoff.” — Simple Flying
- “Credit: Shutterstock While pilots are trained to avoid tail strikes, it is still a relatively common occurrence around the world.” — Simple Flying
- “The event prompted operational review and renewed focus on tail-strike prevention technology and pilot training.” — Aviation A2Z
