Vietnam Airlines Plane Returns to Munich After Suspected Tail Strike

A Boeing 787-9 operated by Vietnam Airlines was involved in an incident at Munich Airport on Saturday. The aircraft, registration number VN-A867, took off unusually late from Runway 26L as Flight VN34 bound for Hanoi but returned to the airport after a failed takeoff attempt.

According to reports, the plane may have taken off beyond the end of the runway, causing a cloud of dust to be kicked up. There were also suspicions of a tail strike, where the aircraft's tail made contact with the ground.

The crew aborted the climb and flew over Runway 26R twice to allow ground personnel to inspect for damage. After dumping fuel, the Boeing landed back in Munich, but several tires were damaged during landing.

An airport spokesperson confirmed damage to the tires and landing gear, leading to the closure of both runways at one point. The Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) was called in to investigate the incident.