Investigations Begin as QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-QOT Damged in Tail Strike at Brisbane Airport

An investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is underway after QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-QOT sustained minor damage after a tail strike incident at Brisbane Airport on Tuesday 5 November. VH-QOT was operating as QLK2545 from Roma when after landing at Brisbane the flight crew noticed a ‘Touched Runway’ warning light on the flight deck.

QantasLink Dash-8-Q400 VH-QOT  (File Photo)

From the ATSB preliminary summary, the crew "advised air traffic control of a possible tail strike, and a runway inspection confirmed that was the case. Examination of the aircraft showed that a section of the lower, aft fuselage was damaged by abrasion - as shown below. There was negligible damage to the underlying structure".

Sourced from:  http://www.atsb.gov.au/

There have been a number of tail strikes involving Dash-8-Q400 aircraft around the world, some resulting in significant damage. This occurrence is the first tail strike involving the Dash-8-Q400 aircraft type in Australia.

VH-QOT remains on the ground at Brisbane.