Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 Experiences Unusual Takeoff from Munich Airport

A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 experienced an unusual takeoff from Munich Airport on August 15, where it overran the end of the runway. The pilots reported that the aircraft stopped accelerating for approximately two seconds when it was around halfway along the runway and later lost speed again before becoming airborne.

The crew noticed the aircraft's speed decreasing after passing V1, the calculated takeoff decision speed, and determined that there was insufficient runway remaining to safely reject the takeoff. They increased engine thrust to maximum and continued the takeoff attempt.

The aircraft began rotating with approximately 91 meters of runway remaining and continued beyond the paved end of the runway before finally establishing a climb. The crew remained near Munich for more than two hours, reducing the aircraft's weight before returning to the airport.

After landing safely, an inspection revealed damage to the main landing gear tires and the underside of the rear fuselage consistent with a tail strike. VN-A867, a 10-year-old Boeing 787-9 powered by GE Aerospace GEnx engines, was operating at around 240 tonnes, near its maximum takeoff weight.