Vietnam Airlines News: Boeing 787-9 Runway Overrun at Munich Airport, Tail Strike Reported
Vietnam Airlines News
A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 operating flight VN34 from Munich to Hanoi was involved in a serious incident at Munich Airport on August 15, 2026. The aircraft reportedly overran the end of Runway 26R during takeoff and suffered a tail strike before returning to the airport for an emergency landing.
The aircraft, identified as Boeing 787-9 with registration VN-A867, was preparing for the long-haul flight from Munich to Hanoi when the incident occurred. According to the available details, the aircraft had an unusually long takeoff roll and did not become airborne before reaching the end of the paved runway.
As the aircraft reached the runway overrun area, its main landing gear reportedly entered the area beyond the runway, creating dust and debris. The aircraft then lifted off, but its rear section struck the ground during rotation. The contact caused a significant tail scrape.
After becoming airborne, the Boeing 787-9 remained in the Munich area for around two hours. The pilots reportedly flew a holding pattern while preparing the aircraft for a safe return.
The aircraft was believed to have dumped fuel to reduce its weight before landing. Fuel dumping is sometimes carried out when an aircraft needs to return shortly after departure and is heavier than the recommended landing weight.
Before the emergency landing, the aircraft also made at least one low pass over the airport. This allowed ground teams to visually inspect the aircraft and check its fuselage and landing gear for possible damage.
The Boeing 787-9 later landed on the northern runway under emergency conditions. Smoke and sparks were reportedly visible during the landing.
Following the landing, inspections reportedly found several damaged or destroyed main landing gear tires and damage to wheel assemblies. The damage was linked to the stress experienced during the runway overrun and the subsequent landing.
Emergency services were positioned near the runway as a precaution. After the aircraft came to a stop, passengers and crew members left the aircraft using mobile stairs.
According to the information available, there were no injuries among the passengers or crew.
The incident is expected to be examined by aviation authorities to determine what caused the unusually long takeoff roll and runway overrun. Investigators will likely examine factors such as aircraft performance, weather, runway conditions, loading, technical systems and crew actions.
The incident highlights the importance of runway safety, especially during the takeoff of large wide-body aircraft. Further investigation will be required to establish the exact sequence of events and the cause of the Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 incident at Munich Airport.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
