Vietnam Airlines 787-9 Forced to Dump Fuel After Tail Strike During Takeoff

A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 was forced to dump fuel and return to Munich after its tail struck the runway during a dramatic takeoff on August 15, 2026. The aircraft, VN-A867, was departing from Munich Airport when it accelerated almost to the end of runway 26L before lifting off.

Video footage shows the jet rotating very late, with dust and smoke visible behind the aircraft at the moment of liftoff, a pattern typically associated with a tail strike. Despite this abnormal departure, the aircraft climbed away and joined a holding pattern rather than continuing on its route to Hanoi.

The 787-9 spent roughly one to two hours circling near Munich after the problematic takeoff, which is consistent with a need to reduce the aircraft's weight before an unscheduled landing. The plane then returned to Munich and carried out a low pass over the airfield, possibly for a visual inspection run.

The aircraft finally landed on runway 26R, but suffered significant damage to its main landing gear tires. Rubber fragments and debris were visible on the runway surface, causing delays for other flights as passengers were transferred back to the terminal by bus.