Hong Kong’s air safety watchdog, the Air Accident Investigation Authority, has classified a tail strike involving a Cathay Pacific Airways passenger jet on July 3, 2026, as an "abnormal runway contact" accident. The incident occurred during an aborted landing — known in aviation as a "go-around" — in adverse weather conditions at Hong Kong International Airport.

Flight CX509, operated by an Airbus A330-343 and carrying 203 passengers and 12 crew members from Tokyo’s Narita airport, made contact with the south runway when the tail section of the aircraft's fuselage struck the runway surface. Despite the incident, the aircraft landed safely, and no injuries were reported.

The investigation report revealed that a post-flight inspection found signs of abrasion on the lower fuselage skin and damage to the potable water service door, waste service door, and aft water drain mast. Structural damage included deformation of the aft cargo compartment, cracks in multiple floor beam webs, supports, slope panel supports, and frame beams. Additionally, a floor crossbeam support strut was broken, and a 10-inch crack was discovered on the bottom section of the aft pressure bulkhead.

The Air Accident Investigation Authority published the preliminary report on July 31, 2026, providing detailed findings on the incident and classifying it as an abnormal runway contact.

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