Vietnam Airlines 787 suffers tail strike and runway overrun in Munich

A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9, registered VN-A867, ran off the end of the runway and struck its tail on the ground while departing Munich Airport on 15 August. The account comes from flight-tracking data and German investigators.

The aircraft, operating flight VN34 to Hanoi, was taking off from runway 26L when it continued past the end of the paved surface before becoming airborne. Germany's Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation, known as the BFU, said the jet rotated late and that its tail made contact with the ground during that rotation. Investigators found tire tracks near the end of the runway consistent with the aircraft, along with damage to runway lights beyond the paved surface.

Several tires were damaged in the overrun. The BFU said the rear fuselage and main landing gear also sustained significant damage.

After departure, the crew climbed to 9,000 feet and were vectored south of the airport. The flight then jettisoned fuel to lower its landing weight ahead of an emergency return. Air traffic controllers visually inspected the landing gear during two low passes over the airfield before clearing the aircraft to land.

The flight spent roughly two hours airborne before touching down safely back in Munich on runway 26R.

The BFU has opened a formal inquiry into the cause of the overrun and tail strike. No injuries were mentioned in connection with the incident, and the extent of further damage to the aircraft has not been detailed pending the investigation's findings.