Date:	Wednesday 30 August 2023
Time:	19:37 UTC
Type:	Airbus A321-253NX
Owner/operator:	Aer Lingus
Registration:	EI-LRD
MSN:	9187
Year of manufacture:	2020
Engine model:	CFMI CFM LEAP-1A33
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 151
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial, repaired
Category:	Accident
Location:	Washington-Dulles International Airport, DC (IAD/KIAD) -   United States of America
Phase:	Landing
Nature:	Passenger - Scheduled
Departure airport:	Dublin Airport (DUB/EIDW)
Destination airport:	Washington-Dulles International Airport, DC (IAD/KIAD)
Investigating agency:	AAIU
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
Aer Lingus flight EI117, an Airbus A321-253NX, suffered a tailstrike during a balked landing on runway 01R at Washington-Dulles International Airport, DC (IAD).

During the final approach to land, in gusty conditions, the aircraft became slightly high on the glideslope. In response to this deviation, the First Officer (FO), who was the Pilot Flying, made a nose-down control input which, along with a loss of headwind, resulted in an increased rate of descent near to the ground. During the subsequent landing manoeuvre, a rapid aft control side stick input was made and the aircraft bounced to a low height. During this bounce, the Pilot Flying made an aft side stick input, which caused the aircraft to pitch up beyond its tailstrike limit. Simultaneously with the second touchdown, the Commander took control of the aircraft and a go-around was initiated. Following radar vectors, the aircraft landed again on Runway 01R. A post-flight engineering inspection
revealed that a tailstrike had occurred which caused damage to the aircraft. Minor injuries were reported by two cabin crew members located in the rear of the aircraft.

Probable Cause
During the second touchdown, following a bounced landing, the pitch attitude of the aircraft exceeded the tailstrike pitch limit.

Contributory Cause(s)
1. A 976 fpm rate of descent near to the ground.
2. The first ‘Pitch Pitch’ callout registered on the FDR was not annunciated.
3. The aircraft bounced following the first touchdown.
4. Nose-up side stick inputs during the bounce, possibly due to startle effect and/or in an attempt to ensure a smooth second touchdown.

Weather reported about the incident time (1937Z):
KIAD 301852Z 32013G17KT 10SM FEW060 BKN250 31/14 A2977 RMK AO2 SLP078 T03110139
KIAD 301952Z 32014G21KT 10SM FEW060 BKN250 31/14 A2976 RMK AO2 SLP073 T03110139

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/ei-lrd#31d00672
https://bea.aero/en/investigation-reports/notified-events/detail/accident-to-the-airbus-a321-registered-ei-lrd-survenu-on-30-08-23-at-washington/

Photo: AAIU Ireland

? Close Call at Washington! Aer Lingus flight from Dublin encounters a nail-biting moment as its Airbus A321neo scrapes its tail during landing. Thankfully, no injuries reported. ✈️???? #AerLingus #AirTravel #SafetyFirst pic.twitter.com/asOOgSzuEk

— Aviation Writer (@aviation_writer) September 15, 2023

Date/time	Contributor	Updates
15-Sep-2023 13:51	harro	Added
15-Sep-2023 13:52	harro	Updated
09-Oct-2023 14:29	harro	Updated
01-Aug-2025 18:02	ASN	Updated [Total occupants, Narrative, Accident report, ]
01-Aug-2025 18:04	ASN	Updated [Photo, ]