A Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 narrowly avoided a tail strike at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Saturday, October 10, forcing pilots to abort their landing and execute a go-around. The incident, captured on camera by a planespotting livestream, saw the aircraft pitch sharply upward just before touchdown on runway 24R. The tail came within inches of the pavement before the plane climbed away for a second approach.
Lufthansa Flight LH456 Go-Around at LAX
Lufthansa flight LH456, a daily service from Frankfurt Airport (FRA), departed slightly behind schedule at 11:18 AM local time. The flight initially touched down at 1:18 PM but immediately initiated a go-around. According to a Lufthansa spokesperson, the crew performed a standard procedure that is well-rehearsed, ensuring the safety of the aircraft and passengers.
The aircraft, registered as D-ABYK, eventually touched down safely at 1:33 PM, 15 minutes after its initial attempt. The go-around maneuver is typically high-risk when performed close to the ground or after wheels have already made contact, as the aircraft has limited energy remaining. Runway 24R at LAX is the shortest of the airport’s four runways, measuring 8,926 feet, which may have contributed to the tight margin for error.
Boeing 747-8 D-ABYK Returns to Service
Despite the dramatic arrival, the Boeing 747-8 sustained no damage that would require it to be taken out of service. The aircraft, which is 13.22 years old and features 364 seats across four classes, was quickly prepared for its return flight to Frankfurt. Lufthansa flight LH457 departed at 4:00 PM, nearly an hour behind its scheduled 3:05 PM time.
The return crossing was swift, allowing the aircraft to arrive in Frankfurt at 10:50 AM on Sunday, ahead of its planned 11:00 AM arrival. The jet did not operate any other flights on Sunday and was scheduled to depart for Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on Monday, October 12. This incident marks the second time a Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 has experienced a rough landing in Los Angeles, with a similar event involving aircraft D-ABYP occurring in April 2024.
Source: Simple Flying
