Vietnam Airlines 787 Suffers Catastrophic Damage in Munich Takeoff Disaster
A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 suffered significant damage after taking off from Munich Airport on August 15. The aircraft, registration VN-A867, was operating flight VN34 from Munich to Hanoi when it experienced a late liftoff and tailstrike.
The plane's takeoff roll lasted over the entire 4,000 meter runway before it finally lifted off near the end. Footage shows a large dust cloud rising behind the aircraft as it rotated, indicating contact with the ground or nearby installations.
Despite appearing to continue climbing after the tailstrike, the aircraft was forced to return to Munich Airport and dump fuel. Upon landing, at least two main landing-gear tires were severely damaged or destroyed.
High-resolution photos reveal extensive structural damage along the underside of the rear fuselage, exposing internal structure over several meters of the aircraft's tail cone. Aviation maintenance professionals describe the condition as consistent with substantial damage under international accident reporting definitions.