Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 damages tail on late takeoff from Munich
A serious aviation incident marked the departure of a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from Munich Airport, Germany, on August 15, 2026. The aircraft suffered a “tail strike” — when the rear part touches the runway during takeoff — after an unusually late rotation, requiring an emergency return to the German city.
Troubled takeoff on the Munich runway
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The aircraft, registration number VN-A867, was operating flight VN34 to Hanoi. During the rush to take off from runway 26L, witnesses on the ground observed the plane take off in an unusual manner. A cloud of dust appeared at the end of the runway at the exact moment the main landing gear left the asphalt, suggesting that the Boeing 787 used almost all the available space to leave the ground.
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Emergency procedure and fuel burn
Shortly after takeoff, the crew stopped the plane’s climb to an altitude of 9,000 feet. To ensure a safer landing, the aircraft entered a holding circuit near Munich. The main objective of this maneuver was to release fuel and thus reduce the weight of the Boeing, preparing it for the return to the airport.
Fuselage damage detected before landing
While the plane waited to land, emergency services at Munich Airport were placed on full standby. Before the final landing, the aircraft performed an inspection pass over runway 26R. During this maneuver, a visible hole was identified in the area close to the tail and horizontal stabilizer, confirming the damage resulting from the takeoff incident.
Emergency landing with tire damage
The Boeing 787-9 landed on runway 26R in Munich. Despite being considered safe, the takeoff incident resulted in damage, including the bursting of some tires. Post-landing actions involved:
- The prompt mobilization of firefighters and airport emergency teams to the landing site.
- Confirmation that flight VN34 had arrived safely on runway 26R.
- Moving the aircraft to the taxiway for a detailed inspection of the damage.
Understand the risks of a tail strike in aviation
A “tail strike” occurs when an aircraft’s tail touches the runway during takeoff or landing, usually due to an excessive or late roll angle. This type of incident is considered serious because it can compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft, especially the rear section of the spindle and the stabilizer. Damage can range from superficial scratches to punctures that require complex and time-consuming repairs, impacting flight safety and aircraft availability for a period.
