Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 Experiences Dramatic Takeoff Overrun in Munich

A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 flying from Munich to Hanoi on August 15 was forced to return to the airport after experiencing a dramatic takeoff overrun and tail strike. The incident occurred when the jet, registered VN-A867, accelerated along runway 26L and used nearly its full 4,000 meter length before entering the overrun area at high speed.

Video footage shows a plume of dust and smoke rising from the rear of the aircraft as it rotated, consistent with a tail strike. The pilots attempted to lift off in what appears to be a late rotation, leaving little margin between the aircraft and installations beyond the runway end. The crew then levelled off at a relatively low cruising altitude while assessing the situation.

After discontinuing the long-haul flight, the jet flew extended racetrack patterns over southern Germany for more than an hour to reduce weight before landing. Observers reported two low passes along the runway as ground personnel visually assessed potential external damage. The aircraft then landed on runway 26R with heavy smoke and debris from the main landing gear area.

Passengers were able to disembark safely, but airport operations were disrupted, with both runways being closed briefly during the peak of the emergency response. The incident is expected to draw attention to takeoff performance discipline on long runways, where crews may feel they have ample margin but can still face serious consequences if calculations or configurations are not precisely aligned with conditions.