Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 damaged after late Munich takeoff

A Vietnam Airlines flight from Munich Airport (MUC) to Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) (HAN) was departing on Saturday, August 15, when the tail of the Boeing 787-9 struck the ground at the end of the runway, reports online aviation portal Simple Flying.

This caused substantial damage to the aircraft and forced the plane to turn around, dump fuel, and return to the departure airport. Preliminary information indicates the aircraft overran the runway and damaged runway lights in the process.

Flight VN34 was bound for the Vietnamese capital when it rotated very late, striking its tail on the ground and kicking up plumes of dust and debris. The crew reported a tire pressure indication shortly after getting airborne and opted to return to Munich. After spending two hours dumping fuel, the flight performed two low approaches before landing with the left main gear reportedly trailing smoke.

According to Aviation Herald, the aircraft was VN-A867 and the Dreamliner was departing from Bavaria on Runway 26L. Preliminary information indicates that the plane overran the end of the runway, with a large cloud of dust and dirt rising around it as it rotated late.

Following the strike, the plane climbed to around FL100, where crew checks identified a tire pressure issue and prompted a return to Munich. After dumping fuel and circling the airport, the 787 made its landing attempt roughly 90 minutes later, performing two low approaches to runway 26R before touching down. The landing disabled the runway, which was then closed.

According to aviation insider Fahad Naim on X, the entire tail strike module has been damaged, with a clear puncture through the lower fuselage. The strike tore the aircraft’s composite skin and left heavy scrape marks along the aft fuselage. Initial evidence suggests the aircraft rotated aggressively, and it is likely to be out of service for several months. Munich Airport has confirmed damage to both the tires and the landing gear.

Crew and passengers were unharmed
Vietnam Airlines has already issued a press release on the incident and outlined that the plane remains on the apron at Munich following the incident. It confirmed that the plane returned to Munich after a technical issue. All crew followed required procedures and were able to land safely after more than two hours airborne.

All passengers and crew were disembarked from the plane once back in Munich, and no one was injured following the incident. The carrier is now accommodating passengers for onward travel, and the airline is coordinating with relevant authorities to inspect the aircraft. The carrier noted that further updates will be released after the inspection is complete and other operational plans are confirmed.