Hong Kong, China: Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) is investigating a serious runway contact involving a Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-1000 after the aircraft’s tail struck the runway during a go-around at Hong Kong International Airport, with preliminary findings indicating the crew initiated the maneuver after determining the landing flare had not developed as intended.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:32 p.m. local time on November 26, 2025, involving Cathay Pacific Flight CX764, an Airbus A350-1041 registered B-LXO, operating a scheduled passenger service from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Hong Kong International Airport. According to the AAIA’s preliminary report, the aircraft was carrying 282 passengers and 15 crew members, for a total of 297 people on board. No injuries were reported.
As the aircraft approached Runway 07C, the flight crew assessed that the landing flare had not fully developed and decided to discontinue the landing by initiating a standard go-around. Shortly after the maneuver was established, the aircraft’s Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM) displayed a “TAILSTRIKE” warning, indicating that the rear fuselage had contacted the runway surface during the maneuver.
Flight tracking and incident reports indicate the aircraft climbed safely to approximately 6,000 feet, remained fully controllable, and repositioned for another approach to Runway 07C. The second landing was completed without further incident, allowing the aircraft to taxi safely after landing.
The AAIA’s preliminary report states that the aircraft sustained damage to the rear fuselage near the tail section. Photographs published after the event showed abrasion and structural damage to the lower aft fuselage, consistent with a tail strike. The aircraft was subsequently withdrawn from service for detailed engineering inspections and repairs before returning to operations.
Cathay Pacific confirmed the incident, stating that one of its Airbus A350 aircraft experienced tail contact with the runway during a go-around while arriving in Hong Kong. The airline said the aircraft landed safely on its subsequent approach, passengers disembarked normally, and engineers immediately began comprehensive inspections and maintenance work. The carrier added that safety remains its highest priority and the aircraft would not return to service until all required inspections and repairs were completed.
Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority classified the occurrence as a serious incident and released Preliminary Report PLR-2025-05 on December 23, 2025. Investigators are examining flight recorder data, cockpit voice recordings, aircraft systems, operational procedures, crew actions, and other relevant evidence to determine the sequence of events and identify any safety recommendations. As is standard practice, the preliminary report does not assign blame or determine the probable cause, with a final investigation report expected after a more detailed technical analysis.
The Airbus A350-1000 involved in the occurrence, manufacturer serial number (MSN) 434, entered service in 2021 and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. Aviation safety databases have recorded the event as a serious tail-strike incident with no fatalities or injuries.
