Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 overruns runway and suffers tail strike during Munich takeoff

On August 15, 2026, a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 with registration VN-A867 faced a serious incident during its scheduled flight from Munich Airport (MUC) to Hanoi (HAN). The aircraft commenced its takeoff roll on runway 26L, the airport's longest runway stretching 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), a length more than sufficient for a fully loaded Dreamliner. Despite this, the aircraft failed to lift off within the expected distance and ultimately overran the runway.

As the Boeing 787 accelerated down the runway, it continued gaining speed beyond anticipated takeoff parameters. The aircraft ran off the far end of the runway, causing damage to runway lighting infrastructure. Visual footage captured from the incident shows substantial dust clouds enveloping the plane and a notable tail strike as the rear fuselage came into contact with the ground, indicating a delayed rotation. Fortunately, despite these issues, the flight crew managed to become airborne safely and immediately declared an emergency.

Following takeoff, the crew climbed to 10,000 feet where they identified a tire pressure issue. The aircraft remained in a holding pattern near Munich for approximately 90 minutes, during which time it either burned or jettisoned fuel to reduce landing weight. Subsequently, the plane conducted two low approaches over the runway so ground teams could assess its damage. On the third attempt, the aircraft touched down on runway 26R but became disabled on the runway, resulting in a prolonged closure.

Inspection after landing revealed substantial damage including multiple shredded tires and confirmed tail strike damage. The tail strike was severe enough to cause a puncture through the lower fuselage with torn composite materials and extensive scraping. Additional damage to the electric brake actuators on the main landing gear was also reported. This level of damage suggests the aircraft experienced an abnormal rotation force during takeoff.

Given the unusually long runway and the proper flap settings observed in video evidence, the cause of the failed takeoff is perplexing. Typically, pilots would abort takeoff if acceleration or rotation seemed abnormal, especially with a runway of this length providing ample margin for error. The reason for the extended acceleration phase leading to the overrun remains unclear.

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 shows an unusual five-minute gap around the takeoff time, complicating analysis of the event’s dynamics. One common factor in runway overruns is miscalculated takeoff performance data, but in this case the pilots’ knowledge of a long-haul 787’s takeoff profile should have enabled them to recognize and react to anomalies. Whether a technical malfunction or human factors contributed is currently unknown.

The aircraft is expected to remain grounded for repairs due to the extent of the damage sustained. The accident also resulted in temporary closures and damage to Munich Airport’s runway infrastructure. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among passengers or crew throughout the incident, averting what could have been a severe disaster.

This event raises important questions regarding operational procedures, pilot decision-making, and aircraft systems reliability during critical phases of flight. It represents a rare but significant safety occurrence involving a widebody, long-haul aircraft at a major international airport with state-of-the-art facilities and extensive runway length.

Authorities will investigate the incident thoroughly to establish the sequence of events and causative factors. Meanwhile, this serves as a reminder of the multiple safeguards necessary to ensure safe takeoffs, even under seemingly optimal conditions.