Tail-strike and delayed liftoff mark Vietnam Airlines 787 takeoff in Munich

German aviation authority BFU has verified that a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 operating from Munich to Hanoi struck its tailwheel at the moment of takeoff due to a late rotation. The twinjet used the full 4,000 meter length of runway 26L on 15 August at 13:57 local time but struggled to become airborne in a normal timeframe, eventually lifting off late near the runway's far end. After the event, the aircraft returned to Munich and landed safely over two hours later.

The BFU's investigation has identified tyre marks at the far threshold of runway 26L consistent with the tail-strike incident. These markings may indicate braking or other abnormal deceleration measures took place during the takeoff roll, despite the crew having already committed to rotation. The agency has retrieved the flight recorders from the aircraft and is analyzing recorded data to better understand the event, though no conclusions or detailed technical findings have yet been released.

Preliminary reports from Vietnamese media sources provide additional operational detail that illustrates the severity of the aircraft's acceleration problems. According to a report from Vietnam's civil aviation authority cited by VnExpress, the crew noticed their airspeed stopped increasing approximately halfway down the runway, only resuming acceleration after a brief delay. Such a failure to consistently build speed is unusual during a heavily loaded 787 takeoff, indicating potential mechanical or procedural factors impacting thrust or control.

The situation escalated as the aircraft approached V1 decision speed, the critical velocity at which a takeoff must either be continued or safely aborted. The crew observed a deceleration after passing V1 but deemed there was insufficient remaining runway to reject the takeoff. With runway length running out—they began rotation with roughly 300 feet of tarmac left—generating a tail-strike warning. This late rotation clearly contributed to the impact of the aircraft's tail on the runway surface.

Further complicating the flight crew's challenge were alerts concerning tyre pressure anomalies, suggesting possible tire damage occurring during the rolling sequence. On return to Munich, inspectors noted several main landing gear tyres were badly damaged, perhaps linked with the stress of the prolonged takeoff rollout and the tail-strike incident. Such tire damage poses operational risk and necessitates thorough post-flight inspection and maintenance.

Meteorological conditions at Munich Airport were favorable at the time, with light, variable winds and good visibility, reducing the likelihood that weather played a significant role. The investigation is focusing instead on technical, human, and organizational factors that may have contributed to the aircraft's underperformance during takeoff. Representatives from both Vietnamese and United States aviation authorities are cooperating in the inquiry alongside the BFU.

Despite the clear evidence of tail contact and delayed liftoff, investigators are not yet ready to speculate on root causes. The aircraft's systems and performance parameters at the accident moment remain under comprehensive review. Factors such as engine thrust settings, aircraft weight and balance, and pilot inputs during acceleration and rotation phases are expected to be evaluated in the official final report.

This event highlights the critical nature of speed monitoring and decision-making during takeoff, particularly regarding the V1 roll call point when pilots must swiftly choose to continue or abort. The apparently premature deceleration before reaching V1, followed by an abrupt late rotation, suggests a complex interplay of performance anomalies and cockpit response under time pressure.

As the ongoing probe progresses, the data analysis from the flight data and cockpit voice recorders will be vital in piecing together why the aircraft’s acceleration lagged and what led the crew to rotate so late with evident risk of tail contact. The findings will inform future operational safeguards, training, and aircraft performance monitoring to prevent recurrence.