EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Time Pressure; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Ground Strike - Aircraft
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
I was informed that the aircraft had been operating in an unairworthy condition for a week; when the damage was first observed. The damage was to a wi-fi antenna and fuel drain mast in the rear of the aircraft. The crew that initially [experienced] the tailstrike did not recognize the strike.The original cause of the event was a tailstrike that went unnoticed by the crew. The aircraft went 7 days in operation before the damage was noticed. Contributing factors might include cold weather operations leading to rushed pre and post flights; subtle damage which was difficult to notice; and post flight inspection complacency.Emphasis of pre and post flight diligence and duties during training. Tailstrike training and training focused on how to recognize the potential subtle cues and specific ways to identify antenna damage which could be a symptom of a tailstrike. Possible required inspections if the aircraft was flared during landing past a specific angle; where tailstrike possibility increases significantly.
EMB-175 First Officer reported the aircraft had been flown for a week with damage caused by a tailstrike event. Reportedly; the original flight crew involved in the tailstrike was not aware of the event.