Today's UA870 service was operated by N105UA and the aircraft involved in the incident yesterday, N128UA, has not popped up on ACARS yet. Did it depart today, or is it still being inspected ?

N105UA UA0870 08/05/2010 14:59 United Airlines B747-451 Sydney-San Francisco-Chicago

It won't be departing for perhaps a few days while the 'maintenance checks' are carried out.

Last night it was over at the QF Jet Base, near the enterance. Reg Grundy's private jet is parked along the fence so it might be blocking any view from QF Drive.

"Perhaps a few days", sounds like the "maintenance checks" may involve Spackfiller and Gaffer Tape.

Who wants to sit in 59A or B on its next flight? :D

I drove past Qantas drive on the way back from the city, only because it is the most economical route:D. There was a stand underneath with a tradesman working on the aircraft. Apart from the pilot missing out on his christmas bonus, does such an event stay with him if he/she were to seek other employment. I guess it will depend if the actual airline takes the wrap at puts it down to further training on rotating on take off :-).

Firstly I'd happily fly Row 59 for a trip to Melbourne...it's the most looked at part of the aircraft in recent history.

Tony, I've no doubt there'll be an internal review as to why the aircraft is in 'maintenance', so any impact on the flight crew will probably depend on the final outcome of the report.

Okay, thanks Nigel. Who conducts the report, it will have to be someone independant of the airline and Sydney airport. Is that correct. CASA.

United will probably conduct their own internal investigation, and perhaps their ground handling company might get involved if there was any loading discrepancies.

I don't know if any other agencies would, or indeed have the need, to get involved.

ATSB would usually investigate a tail strike I'd have thought, given its potential, and I think UA has to report it too.