A Lufthansa Boeing 747 touched down at Los Angeles International Airport on October 10, 2026, then immediately aborted its landing in a dramatic maneuver that brought the aircraft's tail perilously close to the runway surface.
Video footage of the incident captured the moment the wide-body jet made contact with the tarmac before the flight crew executed a go-around, lifting back into the air with minimal clearance between the tail section and the runway. The maneuver drew attention for its visual intensity, though eyewitnesses noted the situation may have appeared more severe on camera than in actual practice.
The incident occurred at one of the busiest airports in the United States. No details regarding injuries, damage to the aircraft, or the specific reason for the aborted landing appear in available reports. The 747, one of aviation's most iconic aircraft, requires careful handling during approach and landing procedures due to its large fuselage and distinctive hump configuration, which can create clearance challenges during certain flight attitudes.
Go-around procedures, in which pilots abort landings and return to altitude, are routine safety measures triggered by various conditions including unexpected runway obstructions, weather changes, air traffic conflicts, or instrument uncertainties. Pilots train extensively for these scenarios.
The Lufthansa 747 represents the German carrier's long-haul fleet operations to major North American destinations. Boeing's 747 has served commercial aviation for decades, though many carriers have retired older examples in recent years as newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft enter service.
The incident generated discussion among aviation observers who reviewed the available video evidence. The proximity of the tail to the runway surface during the abort sequence created striking visual drama, even if actual risk parameters remained within acceptable safety margins according to those analyzing the footage.