Vietnam Airlines 787 Suffers Catastrophic Damage After Dramatic Takeoff

A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 suffered significant damage after a late takeoff from Munich Airport on August 15, 2026. The aircraft, VN-A867, was operating flight VN34, a long-haul service to Hanoi.

The plane became airborne just before the end of the 4,000-meter runway 26L, and observers noted that it lifted off with a tail strike, causing damage to the rear fuselage. Despite this, the crew chose to continue the flight, leveling off at a relatively low altitude near Munich.

The aircraft then performed a low pass over the runway to assess potential damage before landing on the northern runway 26R. Video footage shows sparks and debris at touchdown, with multiple destroyed main-gear tires and scattered foreign object debris along the landing path.

Closing-up photographs reveal extensive scraping and abrasion along the underside of the rear fuselage, as well as severe damage to the main landing gear. The incident has sparked discussion among pilots and aviation analysts about potential performance and loading issues, with some suggesting that an incorrect takeoff weight or thrust setting could have contributed to the situation.