A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 suffered damage during takeoff from Munich Airport on Saturday, August 15, forcing the crew to return to the German airport after spending about two hours in the air.
The incident involved VN-A867, a 10.4-year-old 787-9 operating flight VN34 from Munich to Hanoi. The aircraft, powered by two GE Aerospace GEnx-1B74/75 engines, entered service with Vietnam Airlines in April 2016.
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Video footage of the departure shows the 787 apparently using nearly the entire 4,000-meter (13,123-foot) runway 26L before becoming airborne. A large cloud of dust can be seen behind the aircraft during rotation, suggesting that it went beyond the paved runway surface during the takeoff sequence.
Vietnam Airlines has so far described the event only as a "technical issue" and has not disclosed what caused the abnormal takeoff.
Flight-tracking data indicates that the 787 remained near Munich for about two hours, apparently to reduce its landing weight. The aircraft subsequently made several approaches before landing back at the airport.
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The extent of the damage has not been officially detailed. Images circulated on social media appear to show damaged main landing gear tires and damage to the underside of the rear fuselage consistent with a tail strike, although those images have not been independently authenticated.
The condition of the landing gear became more evident after the aircraft returned. Munich Airport said the 787 was unable to leave the north runway under its own power after landing. The runway had to be closed, with other traffic redirected to the airport's south runway.
Vietnam Airlines said the flight crew followed the required procedures and that all passengers and crew were safe. The airline is inspecting the aircraft together with the relevant authorities.
VN-A867 carries manufacturer serial number 39287 and was the 411th 787 built. It made its first flight on April 1, 2016, at Boeing's Charleston plant and was delivered to Vietnam Airlines on April 22 of that year. The aircraft has a three-class configuration with 28 business-class, 35 premium-economy and 211 economy seats, for a total of 274.
The incident aircraft is one of six Boeing 787-9s operated by Vietnam Airlines. The carrier has 17 Dreamliners in its fleet, including another 11 aircraft of the smaller 787-8 variant.
