Kalitta Air Boeing 777 Suffers Tail Strike, Sparks During CVG Go-Around

A Kalitta Air Boeing 777-300ER freighter suffered a dramatic tail strike during a go-around at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The aircraft, registered as N778CK, had arrived from Brussels when the incident unfolded during an attempted landing on Runway 36R. Video footage widely circulated on social media — including a report from aviation channel CaptainSteeeve — captured the aircraft reaching an extreme nose-high attitude, producing a sustained shower of sparks as the tail scraped the runway surface. Air traffic control communications cited by FlightGlobal indicate the tower advised the crew of a confirmed tail strike during the maneuver, prompting an emergency declaration.

Following the initial strike, the crew executed two additional missed approaches before landing safely on the third attempt. The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed it is investigating the occurrence, classifying it as an incident. Kalitta Air Chief Operating Officer Heath Nicholl said the aircraft has been removed from service and grounded pending a thorough inspection. N778CK is notable as the first 777-300ER converted to freighter configuration under the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) passenger-to-freighter program. No crew injuries were reported.