Vietnam Airlines B787-9 Overruns Munich Runway with Late Rotation, Sustains Gear Damage

A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9, registered VN-A867, operating flight VN34 from Munich to Hanoi, endured a serious takeoff event on August 15, 2026, involving a notably late rotation on Munich’s 4,000-meter Runway 26L. The aircraft became airborne near or past the end of the runway, overrunning the paved surface by approximately 120 meters and entering the grass area close to the approach lighting system. Ground footage confirmed the main landing gear maintained contact until the latter part of the runway, kicking up a large cloud of dust as it lifted off. Preliminary accounts indicate the occurrence of a tailstrike during lift-off.

After becoming airborne, the crew maintained the aircraft at altitudes between 9,000 and 10,000 feet, entering a holding pattern in the vicinity of Munich. Given the long-haul flight’s typical fuel load, the aircraft was above its maximum landing weight. To reduce weight and prepare for a safe return, the crew jettisoned fuel and conducted a fuel-burning hold lasting approximately 90 minutes to two hours. During this time, a tyre-pressure warning was also reported, adding urgency to assessing the aircraft’s condition before landing.

The flight crew performed one or more low approaches over Runway 26R to permit ground personnel to visually inspect the aircraft’s underside and tail section for damage, particularly focusing on any effects from the tailstrike and potential debris. This maneuver allowed safety teams to evaluate structural integrity and prepare for a controlled landing attempt.

Upon landing on Runway 26R, the aircraft experienced significant tyre damage, with multiple tyres on the left main landing gear shredding or failing under the stress. The left main gear was seen trailing smoke, and the damaged aircraft became temporarily immobilized on the runway surface. Emergency rescue and firefighting units promptly responded as a precautionary measure, ensuring passenger and crew safety during this critical phase.

Vietnam Airlines has confirmed that the return to Munich was prompted by a technical issue, and that all safety protocols were followed throughout the incident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew on board. Munich Airport authorities acknowledged the unusually long takeoff roll, as well as the resulting landing gear and tyre damage incurred during the aborted departure and subsequent landing.

Germany’s Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) has opened an official investigation into the incident, examining factors ranging from the takeoff performance calculations, aircraft configuration, to operational procedures. The definitive cause of the late rotation and runway overshoot remains to be determined and will depend on further technical analyses.

This event underscores the critical importance of precise performance planning for takeoff in heavy, long-haul operations, especially on runways employing extended distances. The tailstrike and damaged rolling gear highlight operational risks when rotation is delayed, potentially affecting aircraft structural components and ground infrastructure—Runway edge lights were reportedly damaged during the excursion.

With a comprehensive investigation underway, authorities aim to clarify the chain of events and any contributing technical or procedural issues. Vietnam Airlines and regulatory bodies will likely review crew training, aircraft performance data, and airport ground conditions to prevent recurrence. Insights from this case may also inform industry best practices for managing takeoff performance margins under varying operational pressures.