Findings on air drama 'significant'

Investigators have been exploring why the Emirates Airbus A340-500 sustained damage to its tail.

An accident report is due out today on an Emirates flight originating in Auckland after a serious tail strike incident in Melbourne.

Emirates Flight EK407 with 225 passengers on board had to make an emergency landing after its tail hit the runway on March 20.

The Dubai-bound Airbus A340's tail was damaged and investigators have been exploring whether pilot fatigue or a miscalculation ofthe weight of the plane were factors.

The plane had taken off on reduced power.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will release what are described as "significant" findings today.

Emirates has issued a statement saying safety is a top priority for the airline.

Emirates rejected the claim that pilot fatigue had been a factor in the incident.

The airline said that taking off at reduced power was a standard industry procedure and was "commonly practised by many airlines for enhanced operating economics per centand increased long-term reliability".

- AAP