Munich Tailstrike Incident Sparks Safety Probe into Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 Operations
A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 suffered a tailstrike while taking off from Munich Airport on its long-haul service to Europe. The incident resulted in the destruction of several main-gear tyres and temporary disruption at one of Europe's busiest hubs, prompting a formal safety investigation by German authorities.
The aircraft, operating a long-haul flight, began its takeoff roll on the northern runway but suffered a tailstrike during rotation, causing significant damage to the main landing gear. The flight crew aborted the climb and entered a racetrack holding pattern over Munich before making an emergency return to the airport.
The Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) has taken the lead in the safety probe, which will involve several key stakeholders including Vietnam Airlines, Boeing, and engine manufacturers. The investigation aims to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the tailstrike and the subsequent damage to the tyres during the landing roll.
The incident highlights potential issues with takeoff configuration or calculation, as well as the risks associated with long-bodied aircraft like the Boeing 787-9. The safety implications for the Boeing 787-9 fleet may lead to revised takeoff performance calculation protocols and enhanced simulator training for tailstrike prevention and recovery.