A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 took off from Munich airport with only about 91 metres of runway remaining after its speed dropped twice during the takeoff roll, according to a preliminary report by Vietnam’s aviation authority. The aircraft later returned safely after a two-hour ordeal that involved fuel dumping, multiple circuits over the airport, four burst tyres and tail-strike damage.

Flight VN34, bound for Hanoi, departed Munich at around 1:45 pm local time on August 15 with 271 passengers and 16 crew members on board. All passengers and crew were safe. Vietnam Airlines had initially attributed the return to Munich to a “technical issue”, while investigators are now examining the unusual loss of speed during the takeoff.

Aircraft Loses Speed Twice During Takeoff

The Boeing 787-9 was taking off from runway 26L when the crew noticed that its speed stopped increasing for around two seconds at approximately the halfway point of the runway, according to the preliminary report by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV).

The aircraft subsequently accelerated and reached V1, the decision speed at which pilots must determine whether to continue or abort a takeoff. Shortly afterwards, however, the crew observed another drop in speed.

By that stage, the pilots determined that there was insufficient runway remaining to safely abort the departure. They continued the takeoff and increased engine thrust to maximum. With only about 91 metres of runway left, the pilot raised the aircraft’s nose and the Boeing 787 became airborne.

Tail Strike And Tyre Warnings Triggered

Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft generated warnings indicating a possible tail strike and low tyre pressure. The crew informed air traffic control and decided to return to Munich.

Vietnamese state media reported that the four pilots operating the flight had a combined 63,938 flight hours, including 19,675 hours on the Boeing 787.

Videos circulating online showed the aircraft accelerating for an unusually long distance before lifting off close to the end of the runway, with a large cloud of dust visible behind it. One video appeared to capture loud tyre noise around the time of liftoff.

Fuel Dumped Before Return To Munich

After takeoff, the aircraft climbed to approximately 9,000 feet before the crew began dumping fuel to reduce its weight ahead of the return landing. The aircraft remained in the vicinity of Munich for more than an hour as fuel was jettisoned from both wings.

Passenger Nguyen Ninh, who was travelling from Munich to Da Nang via Hanoi, said the takeoff roll appeared unusually long. He told Vietnamese state media that he heard a loud noise as the aircraft’s nose lifted from the runway.

After the captain informed passengers that the aircraft had developed a technical problem and would need to return, anxiety spread through the cabin. Ninh said he watched the aircraft icon repeatedly circle near Munich on the flight display as fuel was dumped, although passengers remained calm.

Aircraft Makes Safe Emergency Landing

As the aircraft prepared to land, cabin crew instructed passengers to adopt the brace position. The Boeing 787 then made two low-altitude circuits around the airport, allowing air traffic controllers to visually inspect its landing gear.

The aircraft eventually landed safely on runway 26R at 3:57 pm local time, approximately two hours after its departure.

Footage from the landing showed heavy smoke around the left main landing gear as the aircraft touched down.

Four Main Landing Gear Tyres Burst

A preliminary inspection found that four of the aircraft’s eight main landing-gear tyres had burst, including three on the left side and one on the right, according to Vietnamese state media.

Inspectors also found longitudinal scrape marks underneath the rear fuselage and several areas where the aircraft’s outer skin had been torn. The damage was consistent with the tail striking the runway during takeoff.

Ground crews found no evidence of fire or smoke. All 271 passengers and 16 crew members were safe, and no injuries were reported.

Boeing 787 Remains Grounded At Munich

The aircraft, a Boeing 787-9 registered as VN-A867, remains at Munich airport while it undergoes further technical assessment.

The incident also temporarily disrupted airport operations. The aircraft could not taxi away from the north runway under its own power after landing, forcing the runway to be closed temporarily and air traffic to be redirected through the south runway.

German Authorities Lead Investigation

Germany’s air accident investigation bureau, the BFU, is leading the investigation in accordance with international aviation rules. The aircraft’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered and taken to the BFU headquarters in Braunschweig for examination.

Investigators are expected to focus on why the aircraft’s takeoff roll was unusually long and why its speed dropped twice before the aircraft became airborne.

Vietnam’s CAAV is coordinating with German authorities and assisting with the investigation. Vietnam Airlines has also been asked to work with German investigators, Boeing and the aircraft’s engine manufacturer to determine what caused the incident.

The CAAV has stressed that its findings are preliminary and may change as the investigation progresses.

Vietnam Airlines has arranged alternative flights for affected passengers using its own services and those of other airlines. The airline is also providing accommodation, meals and ground transportation to passengers waiting for replacement flights.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share