Troubled take-off of Vietnam Airlines jet in Munich detailed in report

A preliminary report by Vietnam’s aviation authority says a technical issue during the take-off run of a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 almost led to an accident at Munich Airport on Saturday. Flight VN34’s crew reported problems while accelerating; the aircraft stopped gaining speed for about two seconds mid-run, then recovered only to see speed begin to fall again. With too little runway to abort, the pilot advanced thrust to maximum and lifted the nose. Shortly after liftoff, warnings indicated the tail struck the runway and that four of eight tyres lost pressure; four tyres later burst. The aircraft returned to Munich, dumped fuel, flew two low loops for landing-gear assessment, and landed safely with 271 passengers and 16 crew—no injuries. Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction ordered CAAV to coordinate with German authorities, leading the investigation under Annex 13.