A Smartwings Boeing 737-900, registration OK-TSI performing flight QS-1171 from Funchal (Portugal) to Prague (Czech Republic), was departing Funchal's runway 05 when the tail contacted the runway surface. The aircraft continued the flight, climbed to FL340 and further FL350 and landed safely on Prague's runway 12 about 4:20 hours after departure.
The aircraft is still on the ground in Prague about 20 hours after landing.
The airline reported the tail skid showed some paint damage within limits so that no repair was required, the crew remained unaware of the light tail contact, also ATC did not notice the tail contact.
Ground observer video (Video: Madeira Airport Spotting):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVvQ1cL4K7Y
The aircraft is still on the ground in Prague about 20 hours after landing.
The airline reported the tail skid showed some paint damage within limits so that no repair was required, the crew remained unaware of the light tail contact, also ATC did not notice the tail contact.
Ground observer video (Video: Madeira Airport Spotting):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVvQ1cL4K7Y
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