A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, operating as Flight VN34 from Munich to Hanoi, narrowly avoided disaster on August 15 after a series of critical failures during its takeoff roll. The aircraft, carrying 271 passengers and 16 crew members, barely became airborne after its speed dropped twice, its tail struck the runway, and four tires burst, necessitating an emergency return to Munich Airport.
Harrowing Takeoff Sequence
According to a preliminary report by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), the incident began roughly halfway down runway 26L. The aircraft's speed unexpectedly ceased increasing for approximately two seconds. Despite this, the plane accelerated again, reaching V1—the critical decision speed for takeoff. Shortly after, the crew observed a second, unexplained drop in speed.
By this point, aborting the takeoff was no longer considered safe. Pilots pushed the engine thrust levers to maximum power, and the captain raised the nose. The Boeing 787-9 lifted off with only 91 meters of runway remaining. Immediately after liftoff, warnings activated, indicating a possible tail strike and low tire pressure. The crew promptly notified air traffic control and initiated a return to Munich.
Bystander footage corroborated the pilots' account, showing the aircraft accelerating for an unusually long distance before lifting off near the runway's end, leaving a trail of dust. Another video captured what appeared to be loud tire noise at the moment of liftoff, with subsequent landing footage revealing heavy smoke from the left main landing gear.
Two Hours in the Air
After the alarming takeoff, the aircraft climbed to approximately 9,000 feet. To reduce its landing weight, the crew began dumping fuel from both wings, a process observed by passengers from their windows as the plane circled near Munich airport for over an hour. Passenger Nguyen Ninh recounted that the takeoff roll felt unusually long and he heard a loud noise as the nose lifted.
The captain announced a technical problem, and while the cabin mood shifted, passengers remained composed. As the aircraft prepared to land, cabin crew instructed everyone to adopt the brace position. The Boeing 787 made two low-altitude circuits, allowing air traffic controllers to visually inspect the landing gear from the ground. The plane touched down safely on runway 26R at 3:57 pm local time, roughly two hours after its initial departure.
Damage Assessment and Investigation
A preliminary inspection revealed significant damage: four of the aircraft's eight main landing gear tires had burst—three on the left side and one on the right. Inspectors also found longitudinal scrape marks and torn outer skin on the underside of the rear fuselage, confirming a tail strike during takeoff. No signs of fire or smoke were detected. Due to the damage, the aircraft, registered VN-A867, could not taxi under its own power, leading to the temporary closure of runway 26L.
Germany's air accident investigation bureau, the BFU, is leading the probe under international aviation regulations. Flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered and sent to the BFU's headquarters. Investigators are expected to focus on understanding why the aircraft's speed dropped twice during the takeoff roll and why the departure roll was significantly longer than normal. The CAAV is assisting German authorities, and Vietnam Airlines is cooperating with investigators, Boeing, and the engine manufacturer. Vietnam Airlines has arranged alternative travel, accommodation, and meals for affected passengers.