[Sportschosun reporter Jang Jong-ho] A passenger plane that departed Narita International Airport in Tokyo and was landing at Harbin Airport in China is suspected of having its tail section touch the runway during the landing process.
According to Chinese media outlets including China.com, Spring Japan flight IJ213 caused a so-called tail strike while landing at Harbin Taiping International Airport on the 19th.
Authorities said, "The aircraft is currently being inspected after measures were taken due to a mechanical defect," adding, "The connecting flight that was scheduled to use the aircraft has been canceled."
They also explained that no injuries were reported in the incident and that operations for takeoffs and landings of other flights at the airport were not affected.
The airline and relevant authorities have now begun a detailed inspection to determine whether the aircraft was damaged and to identify the exact cause of the incident.
According to the aviation industry, a tail strike can damage the rear structure of the fuselage depending on the severity of the contact, so a prompt detailed inspection is generally required.
Jang Jong-ho, bellho@sportschosun.com
