Munich, Germany: Germany’s Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) released an interim report on 28 September 2026 into the Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 incident at Munich Airport on 15 August 2026, finding recorded brake inputs during the take-off roll. The report is not final, and BFU has not yet determined the cause.
Flight-data recordings showed movement of both brake pedals on the left pilot’s side about three seconds after take-off mode was activated, followed by further brake inputs during the take-off run. Brake activation later reached about 27% on the left and 17% on the right. BFU has secured the aircraft’s Brake System Control Units and Electric Brake Actuator Controllers for further examination.
The aircraft rotated at about 163 knots, below its calculated V1 of 169 knots and rotation speed of 175 knots, and crossed the end of Munich’s 4,000-metre Runway 26L before becoming airborne from the grass. Its tail and main landing gear struck approach-lighting equipment, damaging 20 lights. BFU said the aircraft reached V1 only after becoming airborne, at about 11 feet above ground.
The investigation has not established whether the brake inputs resulted from pilot action, a technical problem or another factor. The cockpit voice recording from the take-off was also unavailable because the aircraft landed more than two hours after departure and the relevant audio had been overwritten.
Vietnam Airlines flight VN34, operated by Boeing 787-9 VN-A867, was departing Munich for Hanoi on 15 August 2026 with 287 people onboard 271 passengers and 16 crew. During the take-off roll, the aircraft’s acceleration was interrupted and its speed subsequently reduced.
The crew continued the take-off and rotated with only about 91 metres of runway remaining. The aircraft crossed the runway end and clearway before lifting off. After becoming airborne, the crew received warnings associated with the tail strike and tyre damage and decided to return to Munich.
The aircraft released about 62 tonnes of fuel over approximately 45 minutes before returning. After two discontinued approaches, it landed on Runway 26R at about 15:56 local time. Four left-main-gear tyres were damaged and smoke was seen around the landing gear, but the airport fire service found no fire.
All 271 passengers and 16 crew members evacuated safely, with no injuries reported.
The BFU investigation remains ongoing, with further examination of the brake-control components and other evidence expected before the final report establishes the cause and contributing factors.
