A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 encountered a critical incident during take-off at Munich Airport in August, according to an interim report released by the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation on September 28. The aircraft activated its brakes twice while rapidly accelerating down the runway, contributing to a dangerously late liftoff and causing the plane’s tail to strike the ground.
The report details that movement was recorded on the two left brake pedals, located on the same side as the captain’s seat. The pilot flying had more than 27,000 hours of flight experience. It remains unclear whether the braking actions were manual inputs from the flight crew or the result of a technical malfunction, as investigators have not reached definitive conclusions.
Data retrieved from the plane’s flight recorders indicate that the brakes were applied once early during the take-off roll and again shortly afterward, as the aircraft struggled to gain sufficient speed. At about halfway down the runway, the crew noted a loss of acceleration but decided there was inadequate runway remaining to abort. Consequently, the co-pilot increased engine power to lift the plane beyond the tarmac limit.
The aircraft, bound for Hanoi with 287 passengers and crew onboard, ultimately took off after overshooting the runway and briefly traveling over the grass. During this maneuver, the tail section and both main landing gears made contact with approach lighting structures, causing substantial damage to the plane. Inspectors found damage to four of the left main landing gear tires upon the aircraft’s return to Munich.
Following liftoff, the crew circulated in the air while dumping approximately 62 tonnes of fuel to reduce weight ahead of an emergency return. The aircraft’s take-off weight was recorded at nearly 241,000 kilograms, close to its maximum allowable mass. During this time, the crew also reported a suspected flat tire to air traffic control.
The cockpit at the time of take-off included four pilots: the captain in the left seat flying the aircraft, the co-pilot serving as pilot monitoring, the pilot in command sitting in the left jump seat, and a fourth pilot occupying the right jump seat. After take-off, the pilot in command—who had almost 23,000 flight hours—assumed control and conducted the subsequent emergency landing.
Several aircraft components related to the braking system, including brake control units and electric brake actuator controllers, were seized by investigators for further examination. Unfortunately, cockpit audio recordings from the incident period were overwritten and unavailable for review.
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. Vietnam Airlines was contacted for comment but did not respond immediately during business hours. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.