By Key Facts
- Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-9 (GE Aerospace GEnx engines)
- Operator: Vietnam Airlines
- Location: Munich Airport, Germany (Runway 26L)
- Date: 15 August 2025
A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 operating flight VN34 from Munich to Hanoi is under investigation after an apparently abnormal take-off on 15 August that may have caused substantial damage to the widebody jet.
What Happened During the Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 Departure
The aircraft departed Munich Airport’s runway 26L — a 4,000-metre strip — on what video footage circulating on social media appears to show as a prolonged full-length take-off roll. As the aircraft rotated, it reportedly threw up dust, raising immediate concerns about a possible tail strike or ground contact.
Rather than continuing toward Hanoi, the twinjet remained airborne over Munich for approximately two hours, carrying out circuits in the vicinity of the airport. Crews made three approaches to runway 26R before landing. No information has been released on the number of passengers or crew on board.
Damage Reports and Airport Impact
Unverified images shared on social media — which FlightGlobal stated it had not yet authenticated — purport to show shredded main landing-gear tyres and tail-strike damage to the underside of the fuselage. If confirmed, that would point to a serious ground contact event during rotation.
Munich Airport subsequently issued a NOTAM closing runway 08L/26R, suggesting the aircraft’s condition on landing required the runway to be taken out of service, possibly for inspection or debris clearance.
The aircraft involved, registered VN-A867, is a 10-year-old airframe powered by GE Aerospace GEnx engines — the same engine variant that equips the majority of 787-9 operators worldwide.
Investigation Under Way, No Official Statement Yet
Germany’s aviation investigation authority has opened a probe into the occurrence. However, as of the time of reporting, neither the authority nor Vietnam Airlines had issued any public statement clarifying the circumstances of the departure or the extent of any damage.
Tail strikes on take-off, while relatively rare, can result in significant structural damage to the aft fuselage pressure bulkhead and skin. Aircraft that sustain such damage typically require extensive inspection and repair before returning to service. The Boeing 787-9, as a composite-primary-structure aircraft, follows specific damage assessment procedures distinct from those applied to aluminium-fuselage jets.
Avia Bulletin will update this report as official findings are released by German investigators or Vietnam Airlines.
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