A TAM Linhas Aereas Airbus A321-200, registration PT-XPI performing flight JJ-3186 from Iguassu Falls,PR to Rio de Janeiro Galeao,RJ (Brazil), completed what appeared to be an uneventful flight with a safe landing at Rio de Janeiro's Galeao International Airport.
A post flight inspection revealed substantial damage to the tail plane requiring replacement of rudder and repairs to the right hand horizontal stabilizer due to loose slabs hitting the tailplane during departure in Iguassu Falls.
The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Rio de Janeiro 3 days later, the rudder has been removed for replacement.
A number of pilots had reported loose slabs on Iguassu Falls' runway during the last few days prior to the occurrence.
Related NOTAM (issued about 2.5 hours after the occurrence):
K0474/16 - RWY 32 FST 100M CLSD DUE DETACHMENT OF ASPHALT LAYER. 18 MAR 20:42 2016 UNTIL 18 APR 23:59 2016. CREATED: 18 MAR 20:45 2016
Overview of damage:
Rudder damage:
Horizontal stabilizer damage:
