UPS MD11 at Phoenix on Aug 11th 2021, tail strike on go around
Last Update: July 20, 2022 / 18:51:01 GMT/Zulu time
Incident Facts
Date of incident
Aug 11, 2021
Classification
Accident
Airline
UPS
Flight number
5X-2876
Departure
Louisville, United States
Destination
Phoenix, United States
Aircraft Registration
N296UP
Aircraft Type
McDonnell Douglas MD-11
ICAO Type Designator
MD11
Airport ICAO Code
KPHX
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.
Metars:
KPHX 120151Z 06011KT 10SM BKN065 BKN080 BKN110 BKN190 BKN250 31/18 A2988 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E AND W SLP099 CB DSNT E AND SE-SW AND W SHRA DSNT E AND S AND W T03060183=
KPHX 120051Z 34013G22KT 10SM VCTS BKN065CB BKN080 BKN110 BKN250 32/19 A2987 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0030 LTG DSNT S AND SW SLP095 OCNL LTGIC VC NE TS VC NE MOV E CB DSNT S-SW T03170189=
KPHX 120046Z 34014G22KT 10SM VCTS BKN065CB BKN080 BKN110 BKN250 32/19 A2986 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0030 LTG DSNT S AND SW OCNL LTGIC VC NE TS VC NE MOV E CB DSNT S-SW=
KPHX 120044Z 34014G22KT 10SM VCTS BKN065CB BKN080 BKN110 BKN250 32/19 A2986 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0030 LTG DSNT S AND SW CB VC N MOV E AND DSNT S-SW T03170189=
KPHX 112351Z 21009KT 10SM BKN070 BKN090 BKN110 BKN250 34/18 A2986 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND SW SLP091 CB DSNT N AND S-SW AND NW SHRA VC SW AND DSNT W T03390178 10344 20294 56026=
KPHX 112251Z 00000KT 10SM BKN070 BKN090 BKN110 BKN250 34/19 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N SLP094 CB DSNT S-W-N SHRA VC SW-W T03440189=
KPHX 112151Z 00000KT 10SM BKN065 BKN080 BKN250 33/19 A2990 RMK AO2 SLP104 CB DSNT N-NW T03330194=
KPHX 112051Z 08007KT 10SM BKN050 BKN070 BKN250 33/20 A2994 RMK AO2 SLP118 CB DSNT S AND NW T03330200 58026=
KPHX 112012Z 00000KT 10SM BKN045 BKN070 BKN180 BKN250 33/20 A2996 RMK AO2 T03330200=
Aircraft Registration Data
Incident Facts
Date of incident
Aug 11, 2021
Classification
Accident
Airline
UPS
Flight number
5X-2876
Departure
Louisville, United States
Destination
Phoenix, United States
Aircraft Registration
N296UP
Aircraft Type
McDonnell Douglas MD-11
ICAO Type Designator
MD11
Airport ICAO Code
KPHX
This article is published under license from Avherald.com. © of text by Avherald.com.
Article source
You can read 2 more free articles without a subscription.
Subscribe now and continue reading without any limits!
Read unlimited articles and receive our daily update briefing. Gain better insights into what is happening in commercial aviation safety.
Send tip
Support AeroInside by sending a small tip amount.
Related articles
UPS A306 at Phoenix on Sep 20th 2026, rejected takeoff
A UPS United Parcel Service Airbus A300-600, registration N137UP performing flight 5X-859 from Phoenix,AZ to Louisville,KY (USA), was accelerating…
Fleet type match
UPS B748 near Columbus on Sep 1st 2026, smoke and fumes on flight deck
A UPS United Parcel Service Boeing 747-8 freighter, registration N627UP performing flight 5X-223 from Louisville,KY (USA) to Cologne (Germany), was…
UPS B763 at Singapore on Jul 1st 2026, runway incursion
A UPS United Parcel Service Boeing 767-300 freighter, registration N314UP performing flight 5X-167 from Singapore (Singapore) to Hong Kong (China),…
UPS B763 at Louisville on Jul 24th 2026, pitot heater failure
A UPS United Parcel Service Boeing 767-300 freighter, registration N915UP performing flight 5X-5326 from Louisville,KY to Orlando,FL (USA), was…
Fleet type match
UPS B748 enroute on May 17th 2026, fumes on board
A UPS United Parcel Service Boeing 747-8 freighter, registration N624UP performing flight 5X-110 from Anchorage,AK (USA) to Tokyo Narita (Japan), was…
Newest articles
Fleet type match
American A321 near Memphis on Oct 11th 2026, toxic fumes in cockpit
An American Airlines Airbus A321-200, registration N934AA performing flight AA-2411 from Charlotte,NC to San Francisco,CA (USA) with 113 people on…
Fleet type match
Norwegian B738 at Bergen on Oct 11th 2026, engine shut down in flight
A Norwegian Air Shuttle Boeing 737-800, registration LN-ENV performing flight DY-1122 from Bergen (Norway) to Berlin (Germany) with 140 passengers…
Subscribe today
Are you researching aviation incidents? Get access to AeroInside Insights, unlimited read access and receive the daily newsletter.
Pick your plan and subscribePartner
ELITE Simulation Solutions is a leading global provider of Flight Simulation Training Devices, IFR training software as well as flight controls and related services. Find out more.
SafetyScan Pro provides streamlined access to thousands of aviation accident reports. Tailored for your safety management efforts. Book your demo today
AeroInside Blog
Popular aircraft
Airbus A320Boeing 737-800
Boeing 737-800 MAX
Popular airlines
American AirlinesUnited
Delta
Air Canada
Lufthansa
British Airways