Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 Returns to Munich After Troubled Take-Off

 Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 Returns to Munich After Troubled Take-Off

A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9, bound for Hanoi, had to make an emergency landing back at Munich after problems encountered during take-off. Flying as Flight VN34, the aircraft departed Munich at about 21:07 on August 15 th and returned back to the airport more than 4 hours later, all onboard are confirmed safe.

Troubled Takeoff from Munich

The Boeing 787-9 bearing registration VN-A867 took off on a route from Munich, Germany to Hanoi, Vietnam. The below flight track shows that the aircraft gained a lot of take-off distance before it actually lifted off. Reports and video shows that aircraft during take-off passed beyond the end of the take-off section as there was a huge amount of dust behind the aircraft, the reports suggest aircraft had tail strike. The reason for such a long and difficult take-off was not confirmed.

Aircraft Circled Munich for over Two Hours

After finally becoming airborne the aircraft, instead of heading towards Vietnam, circled Munich for nearly four hours. As it was carrying full payload plus baggage and more than 10 hours of fuel the crew decided to burn off the excess fuel before landing back in Munich. At approximately 1:19am the next day the aircraft was seen beginning its approach back into the airport.

Images of aircraft from Flight Radar24 show that at different altitudes and points the aircraft was performing complex turns in Munich, prior to touching back down.

Aircraft Damage

It is believed from what was captured that the aircraft sustained tail strike as it lifted off the runway, it was not visible if damage was caused at the time the accident occurred. Further investigation will reveal if more damage was sustained by the tires and the landings gears on departure and during landing. Vietnam airlines stated that there was a technical problem which needs investigating.

Back Safe to Munich

The flight crew managed to bring the Boeing 787-9 back safely into Munich with everyone on-board uninjured. It was very comforting that in a terrifying situation, a terrible outcome was averted, all of the passengers and crew aboard Flight VN34 were not hurt.

The disruption of Munich Airport procedures:

Operations at Munich airport were disrupted, as the Boeing 787 was not able to power itself off the runway, a tractor was called to push back the aircraft off the runway which was closed, and operations were diverted to the other runway.

Investigation continued:

Vietnam Airline will work together with relevant people to examine the aircraft's damage, it is believed that the flight had tail-strike, there will also be an investigation in why so much power was needed, and where damage had occurred during both take-off and landing. Until the proper results come through, anything can be considered.

Passengers escape incident with no injuries;

The Boeing 787-9 operated by Vietnam Airlines attracted attention when footage of its take-off and return flight became available for others to see. Although the situation is alarming, the result of no passengers and cabin crew getting injured is of greater importance, the investigation will take place and reports will eventually be released to show what actually occurred on board Vietnam airlines flight VN34.