From the "what were they thinking" file

[nharwood]

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Austrian ... 1646611/L/

Tail strikes happen, but is it normal to continue the flight without returning for an inspection? Not sure I would want to get to cruise altitude and realize I had a pressurization issue the hard way.

[1691]

It hit the pneumatic tail skid...I suppose that there is something in their manual that allows them to proceed.

[Matuuu]

Hi,

It indeed hit the pneumatic tail skid, preventing an actual tailstrike ! I'm pretty sure the crew didn't know about the ground contact until after landing. There is no indication in the cockpit of a tailstrike on B767. we check the tail condition during the preflight and postflight inspections. If we have any doubt about a tailstrike after departure, the procedure is as follows:
- Cabin Alt Mode Select .... Man
-Can altitutde Manual control .... Hold in climd until outflow valve is fully open,
-Level off at the lowest safe altitude
-plan to land at the nearest suitable airport

We don't want to pressurize the aircraft because of possible structural damage!

Best regards,