Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 at Munich Airport. Photo: kamilpetran / Shutterstock.com A Boeing 787-9 was substantially damaged during takeoff from Munich Airport on August 15, 2026, after the aircraft ran beyond the end of the runway and struck approach lighting, according to an interim report from Germany’s Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU).
No one was injured in the accident, which involved a Vietnam Airlines flight bound for Noi Bai International Airport in Vietnam.
There were 287 people on board, including four pilots, 12 cabin crew members and 271 passengers.
According to the BFU report, the aircraft was operating from runway 26L. During the takeoff run, investigators recorded several instances of brake pedal and braking system activity.
The aircraft began rotating at 163 knots, below the recorded rotation speed of 175 knots. It lifted off from the grass beyond the runway threshold and clearway, with tire tracks extending approximately 240 meters beyond the threshold.
During rotation, the tail section and the wheels of both main landing gears struck parts of the runway approach lighting system. A total of 20 runway lighting lamps were damaged.
The report also states that the aircraft's fuselage suffered substantial damage when the tail section contacted the ground and runway lighting.
After becoming airborne, the crew decided to return to Munich. The aircraft climbed to around 9,000 feet before the pilot in command took over as pilot flying.
The crew reported a technical problem and concerns about tire pressure on landing. They were cleared to dump fuel before returning to the airport.
A total of 62 tons of fuel was dumped during a process that lasted from 12:22 to 13:07 UTC.
The crew then carried out several approaches to runway 26R. During the first two approaches, the aircraft was flown with its main landing gear extended so ground personnel could visually inspect it. Both approaches ended with go-arounds.
The aircraft subsequently made its landing approach with flaps set to 30 degrees and touched down on runway 26R at 13:56 UTC.
Four tires on the left main landing gear were found to be damaged after landing. The aircraft was brought to a stop on taxiway A6, where passengers disembarked using mobile stairs with assistance from rescue personnel.
No fire was detected, although smoke developed around the left main landing gear.
The Boeing 787-9 was manufactured in 2016 and had accumulated 41,421 flight hours and 8,189 landings. It was powered by two GE Aerospace GEnx-1B engines and had a maximum takeoff mass of 247,207 kilograms.
The BFU has seized several components for further examination, including the Brake System Control Units and Electric Brake Actuator Controllers.
The interim report does not establish a final cause for the accident. Germany's accident investigation authority said the investigation is being conducted to prevent future accidents and incidents and is not intended to determine blame or legal liability.