- The BFU has begun examination of flight data and cockpit voice recorders
- The aircraft suffered substantial damage consistent with a tail strike
- The takeoff occurred at 1:57 pm local time from Runway 26L
- Several tyres on the right main landing gear were destroyed
- VN-A867 was delivered to Vietnam Airlines in April 2016
Germany’s air accident investigation bureau BFU has begun examination of the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 that incurred substantial damage upon takeoff from Munich International Airport on 15 August. BFU confirmed the recorders have already been brought to the agency’s headquarters in Braunschweig after having been recovered from the damaged aircraft. Initial analysis will likely take a week, according to a BFU official.
The aircraft registered VN-A867 began its take-off roll for scheduled Flight VN34 from Munich to Hanoi at 1:57 pm local time from Runway 26L. Video footage shows the aircraft travelling down the entirety of the 4,000 m runway and the main gear lifting from the ground just after the aircraft had entered the grassy area beyond its far end. Just before the aircraft became fully airborne, two significant impacts with the ground can be seen and heard on a passenger video published on social media.
Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 showed the aircraft travelling at a speed of 170 kt just before takeoff. The aircraft performed low-level flypasts over Runway 26R before eventually landing, presumably for observers to check possible damage from the outside. Pictures of the aircraft show substantial damage to the rear lower fuselage consistent with a tail strike. Several tyres of the right main landing gear were also destroyed. VN-A867 was delivered to Vietnam Airlines in April 2016.
A BFU official shared “Initial analysis of the recorders will likely take a week, and the investigation will focus on finding out why the aircraft’s take-off roll was much longer than usual.”
Vietnam Airlines shared in a statement the aircraft had returned to Munich Airport due to a technical issue and that the airline is coordinating with the relevant authorities and parties to inspect the aircraft.
