A dramatic aviation incident unfolded Sunday evening at London Heathrow Airport, when a DHL Airbus A300-600F (registration D-AEAG) arriving from Leipzig, Germany as flight QY2212 suffered a tail strike during its initial landing attempt. The freighter bounced multiple times on runway 09L under turbulent conditions before the flight crew executed an emergency go-around, according to official sources and live footage streamed by aviation observer BigJetTV.
Despite the incident, the aircraft was able to safely land on runway 09R after circling for approximately twenty minutes. No injuries were reported, and immediate safety measures were enacted, including a temporary runway closure for inspection.
The DHL Airbus A300 touched down on runway 09L but rapidly encountered difficulties, bouncing as the pilots responded to gusty crosswind conditions. At around forty feet off the ground, a sudden crosswind destabilized the approach. The flight crew transitioned through several landing phases, adjusting thrust and deploying spoilers to manage the aircraft’s speed and descent angle.
In order to prevent a hard nose gear impact, the pilots pitched the nose up, inadvertently causing the aircraft’s rear fuselage to strike the runway, an event known as a tail strike. The landing gear briefly struck the tarmac before the aircraft regained lift, allowing the flight crew to power up and perform a go-around maneuver.
After holding for a brief period and ensuring the aircraft was safe for another attempt, the DHL freighter landed safely on runway 09R.
The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) launched a formal inquiry into the event, collecting data from the aircraft’s flight recorders, interviewing the crew, and analyzing air traffic and weather information. Early findings suggest that, while visibility was good, a variable left crosswind at Heathrow contributed to the challenging landing sequence. The airport’s runway was temporarily closed from service for inspections to rule out surface damage and maintain the safety of ongoing flight operations.
Airport officials and traffic controllers worked swiftly to communicate with affected flights, minimizing overall disruption and highlighting Heathrow’s established emergency protocols.
This particular Airbus A300-600F, powerd by Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines, has a storied operational history. Originally delivered as a passenger jet to Japanese airlines, the thirty four-year-old aircraft was later converted to a dedicated freighter for DHL, contributing to the global logistics giant’s extensive European and international cargo network.
Such conversions are common in the aviation industry, enabling extended use of airframes well beyond traditional passenger service years.
Heathrow’s handling of the DHL incident reinforces the safety-driven culture prominent in UK and European hubs. The airport’s readiness to promptly inspect runway infrastructure and the swift investigation launch by AAIB demonstrate sector-wide commitment to risk mitigation and traveler reassurance.
For the local tourism industry and inbound travelers, such incidents serve as reminders of the complexities in managing one of the world’s busiest airports, where reliability and safety are crucial to supporting millions of visitors and vital cargo flows daily.
The DHL landing incident followed a weekend marked by additional aviation emergencies, including a plane crash in Tarrant County, Texas, that ignited a major fire, and a helicopter crash in Huntington Beach, California, injuring five. While each event is unique and subject to its own investigation, they collectively highlight the importance of continuous safety enhancements, regulatory oversight, and crew training within global aviation.
London Heathrow’s response to the DHL Airbus A300 tail strike, from rapid crew decision-making to diligent airport inspection and regulatory engagement, exemplifies the industry’s unwavering commitment to aviation safety. While passenger services remained unaffected and no injuries were sustained, the event serves as a reminder that operational challenges can arise, requiring constant vigilance and collaboration.
For travelers and tourism stakeholders, the incident’s professional handling maintains trust in London Heathrow as a world-class gateway, while reinforcing the UK’s leadership in airport emergency preparedness and risk management.
Image Credit: DHL Group
