A Cathay Pacific Airbus A350 passenger jet traveling from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, aborted its initial landing attempt at Hong Kong International Airport last Wednesday evening, sustaining apparent damage to its tail section upon executing a go-around. Flight CX764, operated by a Cathay Pacific A350-1000 aircraft, subsequently landed safely on its second approach, and officials confirmed that no injuries were reported among passengers or crew during the incident.
The event unfolded approximately 6,000 feet above Hong Kong when the aircraft, attempting to land on runway 07C, was deemed unstable by pilots and commanded to initiate a recovery maneuver. Aviation media reports indicate that the tail of the long-haul jet likely scraped the runway surface during the rapid ascent required for the go-around procedure. Photographic evidence circulated online showed visible damage, specifically to the metal skin, or monocoque, covering the underside of the tail section.
Immediate Grounding and Investigation Underway
Following the successful second landing, the aircraft was held on the tarmac at Chek Lap Kok Airport and immediately removed from service. Sources familiar with the situation confirmed that the plane has been grounded indefinitely to undergo extensive safety checks, mandatory repairs, and a full structural assessment.
This type of occurrence, frequently referred to as a tail strike, is a serious incident that requires thorough investigation by aviation authorities. While not uncommon, tail strikes often result from high-rate descents, improper pitch angles during landing, or premature rotation during takeoff. In this specific scenario, the maneuver to abort the landing—the go-around—appears to have been the moment of contact. Pilots execute a go-around when safety parameters are breached, such as approach speed or alignment, making the initial decision a safety necessity.
“Maintaining proper clearance between all aircraft surfaces and the ground, especially during dynamic maneuvers like a go-around, is paramount in aviation safety,” explained an independent aviation analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing probe. “The resulting damage indicates that the geometry during the recovery climb was too aggressive or insufficient lift was generated immediately following the aborted landing command.”
Impact on Operations and Safety Protocols
Operational records confirm that the aircraft remained parked in Hong Kong for at least three days following the close call, highlighting the severity of the inspection process. The grounding of a wide-body, high-capacity jet like the A350-1000 places short-term pressure on Cathay Pacific’s operations, particularly on regional routes demanding such aircraft.
The incident is expected to prompt an internal review of crew procedures, stabilizer settings, and flight data relating to the initial unstable approach and the subsequent go-around. The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department is anticipated to lead the official inquiry, scrutinizing cockpit voice recordings and flight data recorders to determine the precise circumstances leading to the tail strike.
While the primary immediate concern is the structural integrity of the aircraft, the larger focus remains on reinforcing the procedural safeguards that prevent such operational discrepancies during high-stress phases of flight. The successful second landing, despite the prior damage, underscores the proficiency of the flight crew in managing an emergent situation. However, the comprehensive investigation will aim to prevent similar incidents by refining best practices for approach stability and go-around execution.
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