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Vietnam Airlines 787 Barely Lifts Off in Munich After Two Sudden Speed Drops

Germany’s BFU has taken the flight recorders and is analysing runway marks and systems data to determine whether abnormal braking on the 787’s electric wheel brakes contributed to the takeoff anomaly.

Overview

  • The Boeing 787-9 VN-A867 experienced two brief losses of acceleration during the takeoff roll from Munich on Saturday, August 15, forcing a late rotation with only about 91 metres of runway remaining.
  • Shortly after liftoff the crew received tail-strike and tyre-pressure warnings, dumped fuel, circled near Munich for roughly two hours and then landed safely with no injuries reported among 271 passengers and 16 crew.
  • A preliminary on-scene inspection found longitudinal underside scrape marks consistent with a tail strike and four of eight main landing-gear tyres had burst or lost pressure.
  • Germany’s Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation has secured the flight data and cockpit voice recorders and moved them to Braunschweig; investigators are examining recorder data, tyre skid marks and the 787’s electrically actuated wheel-brake systems but have not reached a cause.
  • The aircraft remains grounded at Munich, runway operations were briefly disrupted and investigators say an interim report is expected in the coming weeks.