Boeing 747 Completes Transatlantic Flight Despite Tail Strike Incident in Frankfurt

An Air Atlanta Icelandic Boeing 747-400F, identified as TF-AMK, endured a tail strike during takeoff from Frankfurt, Germany, but proceeded to complete its journey to the United States, reports the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU).

The tail strike incident, categorized as serious by the BFU, occurred at Frankfurt Hahn Airport (HHN) on November 29, 2023, during a cargo flight bound for Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in South Carolina. The BFU’s initial findings revealed that the aircraft encountered a stall warning as it lifted off, leading to the activation of the stick shaker. The pilots promptly adjusted the pitch angle and continued the ascent.

Despite the tail strike, the flight successfully concluded over eight hours later at GSP. Flight data from Flightradar24 showed the aircraft climbed normally after a brief altitude adjustment early in the flight, achieving a peak altitude of 34,000 feet before descending to land in the US.

Upon arrival at GSP, inspections revealed the aircraft’s tail had made contact with the runway during takeoff from HHN, resulting in significant fuselage damage. The Boeing 747-400F was then grounded at GSP for repairs over two weeks, resuming flight on December 12 to Marana Pinal Airport (MZJ) for maintenance, likely at Ascent Aviation Services, known for specializing in heavy maintenance for Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

Following maintenance, the aircraft returned to service on January 8, 2024, initially flying back to GSP, then onto Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, the Boeing 747-400F has been operating flights for SAUDIA and its cargo arm, SAUDIA Cargo, completing around 50 flights under SAUDIA Cargo’s flight code SV, including routes to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

SAUDIA Cargo has reportedly wet-leased two Boeing 747-400F planes from Air Atlanta Europe, Air Atlanta Icelandic’s Malta-based subsidiary, as part of their ongoing collaboration. The TF-AMK aircraft is among six Boeing 747-400Fs utilized by Air Atlanta Icelandic and Air Atlanta Europe for operations on behalf of the Saudi Arabian airline, highlighting the extensive partnership between the companies.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, simpleflying.com