19980115001949I

Narrative: 01/16/98 notified by polar air cargo chief pilot of tail strike, B-747-128 N3203Y, during departure from vhhh (Hong Kong). Damage was discovered during a post flight inspection at destination, rjcc (chitose). All three crewmembers were removed from schedule by polar air cargo pending investigation of the incident. The flight recorder was a dmi item from the inbound flight and was not available for review. 01/16/98 all three crewmembers received training and special proficiency checks by the manager flight standards and chief flight engineer. All three crewmembers were found to be proficient and returned to schedule. 01/29/98 wind shear had been reported on both vhhh runways 31 & 13 and sequence weather reported variable wind direction 16 g 28 with tsra & shra. A review of the crew statements confirms SIC mcclain was the flying pilot. Rotation appeared normal until a stick shaker was momentarily encountered. The PIC called "wind shear" while noticing an increase in the rate of rotation while passing V2. The SIC stated the aircraft appeared not to climb as anticipated causing him to over rotate to achieve climb. Statements of the takeoff event are consistent with the reported wind shear and variable gusty wind conditions which existed at departure. Examination of flight documents confirmed pac 188 was properly dispatched, weight & balance was properly prepared, the take-off gross weight of 687,613 pounds was below the runway 31 max. Take-off weight allowable, 688,800 pounds, and the computed center of gravity, 21.2 was well within the allowable CG envelope. The flight proceeded to rjcc since the crew was unaware a tail strike had occurred until the damage was brought to their attention after being discovered during a post flight inspection. This investigation is completed.