A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9, registered VN-A867, operating Flight VN34 from Munich to Hanoi on August 15, 2026, encountered significant issues during takeoff. According to preliminary reports from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) and Germany’s Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU), the aircraft's acceleration ceased for about two seconds halfway down Runway 26L. After resuming acceleration and reaching V1 (takeoff decision speed), the crew observed a second decrease in speed.
With insufficient runway remaining to safely abort the takeoff, the pilots applied maximum thrust and continued. The aircraft became airborne with approximately 300 feet (91 meters) of runway remaining, suffering a tail strike as it rotated late. After liftoff, warnings for a tail strike and abnormal tire pressure were activated. The crew subsequently dumped fuel and returned to Munich, landing on Runway 26R about two hours later. The aircraft carried 271 passengers and 16 crew members; no injuries were reported.
Post-landing inspections revealed four burst main landing gear tires (three on the left side, one on the right) and damage to the underside of the aft fuselage consistent with a tail strike. Photos and video from the scene show long tire skid marks extending beyond the runway, raising questions about a possible braking malfunction. The BFU is leading the investigation, analyzing the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, with an interim report expected soon. The aircraft remains grounded in Munich for further examination, and Vietnam Airlines is cooperating with investigators from both Vietnam and Germany, as well as Boeing and the engine manufacturer. The aircraft’s takeoff weight was approximately 240 metric tons, below its maximum of 247.2 metric tons.
