On Feb 9th 2026, a JetBlue Airbus A321-200N (A321neo), registration N2188J, operating flight B6-2233 from Boston, MA to San Francisco, CA, was involved in a tailstrike after the crew initiated a go-around moments after touchdown at San Francisco International Airport.
The aircraft had landed on runway 28L and was in the process of de-rotation—lowering the nose gear to the runway—when the pilots made the decision to abort the landing and go around. As thrust was advanced and the aircraft rotated to lift off again, the tail contacted the runway surface.
Despite the tailstrike, the aircraft climbed to approximately 5,000 feet, remained in the vicinity of the airport, and set up for another approach. About 15 minutes after the balked landing, the A321neo returned to runway 28L and landed without further incident.
JetBlue confirmed that the crew initiated a go-around during landing and that the aircraft sustained a tailstrike during the maneuver. The airline stated the aircraft was removed from service, and an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances that led to the late decision to discontinue the landing.
As of roughly 39 hours after the event, the aircraft remained on the ground in San Francisco, presumably undergoing inspection and maintenance assessments. Tailstrikes, even when seemingly minor, require detailed structural examinations, particularly on composite-intensive aircraft such as the A321neo, to ensure there is no damage to the rear fuselage pressure bulkhead or surrounding structures.
Go-arounds are a standard safety procedure and can be initiated at any stage of the approach or landing roll if conditions warrant. However, executing one after touchdown—especially during de-rotation—places the aircraft in a dynamic configuration where pitch changes must be carefully managed to avoid tail contact.
The flight concluded safely, and no injuries have been reported. Investigators will now review flight data, cockpit procedures, and environmental factors to understand why the landing was discontinued at such a late stage and how the tailstrike occurred during the subsequent rotation.
