Overview
- The Airbus A321neo operating flight BA431 from Amsterdam touched its tail on runway 27L twice during an initial touchdown on Thursday and the pilots executed a go‑around before landing safely about 14 minutes later.
- No one on board was hurt and passengers disembarked normally after the second landing.
- British Airways has taken the 2023‑built aircraft out of service and said it is cooperating with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch while technical inspections continue.
- Video of the event circulated on social media and will be available to investigators as they review flight data, cockpit voice recordings and crew statements to determine the cause.
- Tailstrikes can range from minor to structurally significant damage requiring removal and replacement of fuselage skin and other repairs, and a recent comparable A320neo case required about eight weeks of work, so the aircraft’s return will depend entirely on inspection findings.