Tail Tipping Incident at Haugesund Airport

A Wizz Air Boeing 737-800, operated by GetJet Airlines and registered LY-UNO, experienced a tail tipping incident at Haugesund Airport (HAU/ENHD), Norway, on June 10, 2025. The aircraft had just completed its flight from Gdansk, Poland, when an improper unloading sequence caused the nose to lift and the tail to strike the ground.

During passenger disembarkation and baggage unloading, the aircraft's center of gravity shifted too far to the rear, leading to the tail tipping backward. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among passengers or ground crew. However, the aircraft was taken out of service for inspections and repairs.

Tail tipping incidents occur when weight distribution is not properly managed during unloading. In this case, the forward cargo and passengers were removed first, shifting the balance toward the rear.

An investigation is now underway to determine the exact cause and prevent future occurrences. The return flight to Gdansk was delayed by nearly eight hours, as passengers waited for a replacement aircraft. The damaged 737-800 was later flown to Lithuania for repairs, operating at a reduced altitude of 9,000ft.

This incident highlights the importance of proper weight and balance management during ground operations. Airlines and airport staff must follow strict unloading procedures to avoid similar mishaps.