A Ryanair aircraft, a Boeing 737-8200 MAX, with registration 9H-VVH, operating a flight from Malta to Riga as RYR422V (FR9657) reported a possible tail strike while departing on Runway 31 from Malta International Airport.
The crew advised Air Traffic Control that they are unable to continue the flight and are returning to Malta to inspect the aircraft. The aircraft is currently holding close to the airport to burn fuel to reduce the aircraft’s landing weight.
At around 1715 the aircraft landed back safely at Malta International Airport and taxied back to its parking place at Apron 8.
Ironically this aircraft had another incident earlier this morning while operating a flight from Milan to Malta with the flight diverting to Rome due to a medical emergency.
