On January 24, 2026, a Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941, registration 9V-SHW, experienced a tail strike during a go-around maneuver at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).
Operating as Flight SQ917 from Manila (MNL) to Singapore, the aircraft was on final approach to Runway 02L when the crew initiated a go-around from a very low altitude.
During this maneuver, the aircraft’s tail made contact with the runway surface, prompting an immediate climb to 4,000 feet and a diversion to Runway 02C, where it landed safely approximately 25 minutes later.
About The Singapore Airlines A350 Involved in the Changi Airport Incident…
The affected aircraft, 9V-SHW (MSN 485), is a 4.1-year-old Airbus A350-941 delivered to Singapore Airlines on January 7, 2022.
Built in Toulouse (TLS) and initially registered as F-WZFQ for testing, it is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-75 engines and configured with 40 business class and 263 economy seats.
Since entering service on January 15, 2022, 9V-SHW has operated a variety of regional and long-haul routes across Asia.
At the time of the incident, the aircraft had just completed a round trip to Manila, having flown SQ910 earlier that day from Singapore to Manila, and was returning as SQ917.
According to Flightradar24 data, the flight departed Manila at 14:54 local time and was scheduled to arrive in Singapore at 18:00, but ultimately landed at 18:32 following the go-around and tail strike.
Incident Details
The go-around occurred under daylight conditions, with stable weather and no significant meteorological phenomena reported in the METARs around the time of the event.
Winds were from the north at 10–15 knots, visibility was good, and cloud cover was minimal.
The aircraft was approaching Runway 02L when the crew initiated the go-around from a very low altitude, resulting in the tail contacting the runway surface.
The aircraft climbed to a safe altitude and repositioned for a second approach to Runway 02C, where it landed without further incident.
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
However, the aircraft sustained damage to its tail section and has remained parked at Changi Airport since the event, pending inspection and repairs.
Operational and Safety Implications
Tail strikes during go-arounds are rare but serious events that can result from a combination of factors including pitch angle, thrust application, and aircraft configuration.
While the exact cause of this incident remains under investigation, early speculation suggests the manoeuvre may have been prompted by a last-minute runway incursion or other operational anomaly.
Singapore Airlines has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident. The aircraft’s extended ground time, over 53 hours post-landing, indicates a thorough inspection and possible structural assessment are underway.
The incident involving 9V-SHW underscores the complexity of go-around procedures and the importance of precise aircraft handling during critical flight phases.
As investigations proceed, the aviation community will be watching closely for insights into contributing factors and potential procedural refinements.
Singapore Airlines, known for its strong safety record, will likely conduct a detailed internal review to ensure continued operational integrity.
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