UPDATE: A Sun Country Airlines Boeing 737-800 suffered a tail strike during takeoff from Milwaukee this morning, forcing an urgent diversion to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The incident occurred just after the aircraft departed for Orlando at 09:22 AM local time, nearly two hours behind schedule.
The flight, identified as SY201, reached an altitude of FL270 before the flight crew decided to return to the ground. The plane landed safely at ORD at 10:04 AM, approximately 40 minutes post-departure. Authorities confirmed that the aircraft sustained damage to its tail skid but was able to return to service later in the day after a three-hour inspection on the ground.
According to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), “AIRCRAFT INCURRED A TAIL STRIKE ON DEPARTURE AND POST FLIGHT INSPECTION REVEALED DAMAGE TO SKID SHOE, MILWAUKEE, WI.” The tail skid, designed to minimize damage during such incidents, performed its function effectively, allowing the aircraft to continue its journey to Orlando later that same day.
The Boeing 737-800 involved, registered as N851SY, is a 12-year-old aircraft that has been part of the Sun Country fleet since June 2023. It previously served under Thomson Airways and TUI Airways. With a seating capacity for up to 189 passengers, the aircraft retains the same all-economy layout from its previous service.
This incident raises critical safety questions regarding tail strikes. While most minor tail strikes do not pose immediate danger, they must be carefully inspected and repaired to avert future risks. Historical cases, such as the 2002 incident involving China Airlines Flight 611, illustrate the potential for catastrophic failures stemming from inadequate repairs after a tail strike.
As of now, Sun Country Airlines operates a fleet of 68 aircraft, primarily consisting of Boeing 737-800s, and is in the process of integrating five 737-900ERs from Oman Air. The airline does not currently plan to place new aircraft orders, focusing instead on maintaining its existing fleet.
Passengers on Flight SY201 experienced a brief interruption but were ultimately able to continue their journey to Orlando, highlighting the importance of safety measures in aviation. Stay tuned for further updates as officials continue to assess the impact and implications of this incident.
