A Vietnam Airlines jet was forced to jettison fuel and make an emergency return after its tail hit the runway during takeoff.
The Boeing 787-9, operating the Munich-to-Hanoi route, was departing Germany for Vietnam when the incident occurred, according to flight-tracking site Flightradar24.
Video shared on X by aircraft engineer Fahad Naim shows flight VN-34 accelerating along the runway before a loud clunk can be heard.
Moments later, the aircraft’s tail appears to make contact with the runway as the jet lifts off, kicking up what looks like a large cloud of dust after using almost the full length of the runway.
After takeoff, the plane circled at around 9,000 feet over the Munich area for approximately two hours. Footage posted on Flightradar24 showed the aircraft dumping fuel before landing back at Munich International Airport.
Naim later shared images he said showed damage to the aircraft, writing that “the whole tail strike module is gone” and that there were also “punctured tyres.”
He also described what he said appeared to be “a puncture through the lower fuselage,” along with torn composite material and heavy scrape marks extending toward the rear of the aircraft.
Naim suggested a brake seizure or another internal fault could be among the possible explanations, but stressed that it is still too early to determine the confirmed cause of the incident.
Vietnam Airlines said in a statement to Reuters that the plane had returned to its departure airport due to a “technical issue.”
It noted that flight crew had followed procedures and landed safely at Munich Airport.
“The passengers and cabin crew members are safe,” the airline said.
Vietnam Airlines said the aircraft is being inspected and it is co-ordinating with the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, Munich Airport said that after the flight returned it was unable to taxi off the north runway after under its own power and was stranded, forcing the runway to be closed and planes to be rerouted via the south runway.
news.com.au has contacted Vietnam Airlines for comment.
