Overview
- Video from BigJet TV shows an Airbus A321neo operating flight BA431 make an attempted landing at Heathrow in which the rear of the plane contacted the runway twice, prompting the pilots to abort and perform a go-around before touching down safely on a second attempt.
- The airline confirmed the aircraft landed without injuries and said it is helping the Air Accidents Investigation Branch while it conducts an internal inquiry.
- A double tail strike occurs when the tail section scrapes the runway on touchdown and typically triggers detailed structural inspections and checks of the rear fuselage and flight controls.
- Observers noted light northwesterly winds at the time and the livestream clip drove early public scrutiny, but no formal cause or safety findings have been released by investigators.
- The incident follows a separate British Airways safety episode in October and could lead to extended aircraft inspections and an AAIB report that may take weeks or months to complete.