Boeing 747 inches from disaster as jumbo jet narrowly avoids tail strike in aborted LAX landing
A Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 abandoned its landing at Los Angeles International Airport after touching down further along the runway than expected. The pilots initiated a go-around as the remaining runway dwindled, and the aircraft’s steep climb made its tail appear close to the ground; footage showed no visible tail strike.
The crew climbed away and prepared for another approach. The 747-8 is about 250 feet long and more than 60 feet high, making pitch control important during landing and climb-out. The article says around 50 passenger 747s remain in airline fleets worldwide, with Lufthansa operating more than half.
- A Lufthansa 747-8 went around after a late touchdown at LAX.
- Its tail appeared close to the runway as it climbed away.
- No tail strike was visible, and the crew prepared for another approach.
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The Boeing 747 is one of the world's largest passenger aircraft, recognisable by its distinctive hump-shaped upper deck. These jumbo jets are increasingly rare in commercial service, with only about 50 remaining in airline fleets worldwide. Lufthansa, a German airline, operates more than half of these remaining aircraft.
A Lufthansa 747-8 was landing at Los Angeles International Airport when it touched down further along the runway than planned. As the remaining runway became dangerously short, the pilots aborted the landing and climbed back into the air. Large aircraft like the 747 are particularly vulnerable during these climbs, as their great length and height make the tail prone to scraping the ground.
A tail strike—where the rear of the aircraft hits the ground—can cause serious structural damage and create safety hazards. In this case, footage indicated the tail came very close but did not appear to make contact. The pilots successfully climbed to a safe altitude and were preparing for another landing attempt.