Munich: Boeing 787 Vietnam Airlines scrapes its tail on takeoff and makes an emergency landing after taking off off the runway
A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 aircraft suffered an unusual incident at Munich airport, Germany, on August 15, 2026, when it took off irregularly and touched the tail on the ground. The plane was forced to return to the departure terminal. The airline reported that all occupants, including passengers and crew, disembarked without any injuries.
The aircraft in question, with flight number VN34, was destined for Noi Bai international airport, located in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam.
According to analyzes by a portal specialized in aviation, the takeoff occurred with the elevation of the front part of the plane late, resulting in the aircraft leaving the ground only after the end of the runway. Reports indicate that clouds of dust and dirt were seen at the exact moment the aircraft’s tail collided with the ground.
More on this story: Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 damages tail on late takeoff from Munich
Vietnam Airlines released an official statement, in which it clarified that the aircraft had to return to Munich airport shortly after departure due to a technical failure. The company ensured that the on-board team strictly followed all safety protocols, ensuring a smooth landing at the airport of origin.
The company ensured that everyone on board, both passengers and crew members, were taken safely to the airport terminal. Furthermore, he reported that airport fire teams remained on alert, ready to offer any necessary assistance.
An airline spokesperson confirmed to a Vietnamese newspaper that Vietnam Airlines is closely collaborating with authorities and regulatory bodies to investigate the reasons for the incident. The company is also committed to arranging alternative flights for affected passengers.
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The same representative expressed his regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers’ travel plans due to the unexpected changes, asking for everyone’s understanding. He reinforced that the company’s top priority is the safety of its customers, the crew and all flight operations.
According to information released by a local press vehicle, Vietnam Airlines maintains direct routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to destinations such as Munich and Frankfurt, using Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 model aircraft.
According to the same specialized aviation portal, the flight team reported a notification of abnormal tire pressure shortly after takeoff. As a result, the crew had to discard part of the fuel before landing. Approximately one hour and thirty minutes after departure, the plane touched down again. It was observed that the main landing gear on the left side was releasing smoke. After landing, the aircraft remained stopped on the runway, which led to its immediate closure for investigations and maintenance.
Preliminary analyzes collected by the portal indicate that the aircraft exceeded the runway limit during takeoff, causing damage to the signal lights. Photographs evaluated by the same portal show that the plane only managed to take off approximately 120 meters after the end of the runway, already advancing over the grassy area and at the height of the first sequence of approach lights.
