Air transportation safety investigation A24O0006

Table of contents

    Tail strike on go-around
    Air France
    Airbus A350-900, F-HTYH
    Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport (CYYZ), Ontario

    The occurrence

    On 21 January 2024, the Airbus A350-900 aircraft, operating as Air France flight AFR356 from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, France, was on approach to land on Runway 24L at Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Ontario.

    Just after touchdown, a go-around was initiated. The aircraft experienced a tail strike during the go-around; however, it subsequently returned and landed safely.

    The aircraft sustained significant damage. No injuries were reported. The TSB is investigating.

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    A24O0006

    Tail strike on go-around
    Air France
    Airbus A350-900, F-HTYH
    Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport (CYYZ), Ontario

    Photos

    Image
    The tail of the Air France Airbus A350-900 following ground contact at Lester B. (Credit: Webster Photos)
    Image
    Air France's Airbus A350-900 at Toronto's Lester B. Pearson Airport. (Credit: Webster Photos)

      Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.

    Class of investigation

    This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.

    TSB investigation process

    There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
    3. Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.

    For more information, see our Investigation process page.

    The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.