Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 overruns Munich runway after repeated braking on takeoff

A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 left the end of a Munich runway before it became airborne on 15 August. Germany's federal aircraft accident investigation body, the BFU, has published an interim report. It records repeated brake activations during the takeoff run.

The flight recorders showed the left brake pedals being pressed shortly after the roll began, according to the report, with further brake activations logged later. The indicated airspeed also drew attention. It stayed at roughly 168 knots for about 18 seconds and dipped slightly at times.

The crew began rotation at 163 knots. The calculated figure had been 175 knots. By then the aircraft, carrying 271 passengers, had effectively used up the 4,000-metre runway. It continued past the end and lifted off over grass, with tyre marks traceable to about 240 metres beyond the runway threshold. The jet had earlier struck parts of the approach lighting system.

After becoming airborne, the crew opted not to continue to Hanoi and turned back to Munich. They first dumped 62 tonnes of fuel, then flew two approaches with the landing gear extended so it could be inspected from the ground. Both were abandoned. On a third attempt the aircraft landed, roughly two hours later.