# NTSB DCA21LA210: Mcdonnell Douglas MD-11F, N296UP, Phoenix, AZ, August 12, 2021

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report
- Date: August 11, 2021, 19:56 local (Aug 12, 2021, 02:56 UTC)
- Place: Phoenix, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.272847, -112.07324
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2728&lon=-112.0732&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Landing-aborted after touchdown: Tailstrike](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/091)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Investigation class: Class 4 - Basic report with no Prelim publish
- NTSB office: Major Investigations Division
- Parties: FAA, UPS
- NTSB case key (mKey): 103762
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DCA21LA210
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/103762/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA21LA210

## Probable cause

The flight crew’s incorrect pitch attitude during go-around.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Action: incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Flight crew (probable cause); cases with it: [Mcdonnell Douglas MD-11F, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md?model=3023600), [All aircraft, 1,386 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Landing-aborted after touchdown: Tailstrike](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/091) (defining event); cases with it: [Mcdonnell Douglas MD-11F, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/091/sequence.md?model=3023600), [All aircraft, 124 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/091/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The airplane experienced a tailstrike during a go-around at Phoenix-Sky Harbor International Airport (KPHX). The aircraft was substantially damaged, and there were no injuries. The operator and flight crew reported the flight to KPHX was normal. While on approach the crew noted some virga in the area and a wind shift. The crew reported the touchdown appeared normal and the spoilers began deploying. The pilot flying began to apply thrust reversers, and the crew noted the nose pitch up. The flight crew executed a go-around and returned for an uneventful landing. Post-flight inspection revealed damage to the lower aft fuselage. Maintenance examination revealed damage to the aft pressure bulkhead.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N296UP](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N296UP-2023-12-18), registration cancelled 2023-12-18, S/N 48474, built 1991 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MCDONNELL DOUGLAS MD-11F
- Registry model: [Mcdonnell Douglas MD-11F](https://openairdocs.org/model/mcdonnell-douglas-md-11f) (registry code 3023600) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-pw4000-series) (registry code 52119, turbo-fan) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 48474
- Year built: 1991
- Airframe hours: 86309
- Engines: P&W PW4460 60000 lbs thrust turbo fan; P&W PW4460 60000 lbs thrust turbo fan; P&W PW4460 60000 lbs thrust turbo fan
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 121
- Operator: United Parcel Service Co
- Registered owner: United Parcel Service Co
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Transport
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, July 18, 2021
- Departed: KSDF, Louisville, KY
- Destination: Same as departure
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: KPHX, Phoenix Sky Harbor, runway 25L, 7,800 × 150 ft, concrete
- Equipment: Angle of attack indicator, ADS-B, Stall warning system, Auto-pilot, Data recorder, Onboard weather, Electronic primary flight display, Electronic multifunction display, Electronic flight bag or handheld device

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; injuries: none; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review June 11, 2021; seat: left; restraint: 5-point; flight hours: 9,559 total, 7,948 in this make and model, 6,120 as pilot in command, 114 in the last 90 days, 60 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours
- Co-pilot; age 39; injuries: none; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review September 30, 2020; seat: right; restraint: 5-point; flight hours: 507 total, 507 in this make and model, 117 in the last 90 days, 28 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 340° at 13 knots, gusting 22
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.86 inHg
- Observed at: KPHX

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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