Vietnam Airlines B787-9 Overruns Munich Runway with Late Rotation, Sustains Gear Damage
A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9, registration VN-A867, operating flight VN34 from Munich to Hanoi , encountered a significant takeoff performance issue on 15 August 2026. The aircraft rotated extremely late on Runway 26L and became airborne near or beyond the runway end. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); Takeoff Sequence The 787-9 commenced its takeoff roll on Munich’s 4,000-metre runway 26L. Ground footage shows the main landing gear remaining in contact until the final portion of the pavement. A large dust cloud rose as the aircraft lifted off. Preliminary reports from aviation sources indicate a late rotation accompanied by a tailstrike. The aircraft appears to have overrun the paved surface by approximately 120 metres. It then became airborne in the grass near the first row of approach lights and reportedly damaged runway edge lighting. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); Immediate Crew Response After becoming airborne, the crew levelled off around 9,000–10,000 feet and entered a holding pattern in the Munich area. The aircraft was fuelled for the long-haul sector and therefore above maximum landing weight. The crew initiated fuel jettison and burned fuel for roughly 90 minutes to two hours. They also reported a tyre-pressure indication. Before committing to landing, the crew conducted one or more low approaches over Runway 26R, allowing ground personnel to visually assess the underside and tail section. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner reportedly overruns the runway during take-off from Munich. The aircraft is currently on approach to the airport after holding. Video: MunichAviation pic.twitter.com/qqbWSV2jrN — Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) August 15, 2026 Landing and Aircraft Condition The aircraft landed safely on Runway 26R. Multiple tyres on the left main gear failed or shredded during the landing roll, and the left main gear was observed trailing smoke. The aircraft became temporarily disabled on the runway and required towing. Airport rescue and firefighting services responded as a precaution. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Outcome and Investigation No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. Vietnam Airlines confirmed that the flight returned due to a technical issue, that standard procedures were followed, and that all occupants are safe. Munich Airport confirmed the extended takeoff roll and subsequent landing-gear and tyre damage. Germany’s Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) is examining the event. The precise cause — whether related to takeoff performance calculation, aircraft configuration, or another factor — remains under investigation. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); Further technical details are expected once the formal investigation progresses.