HANOI (VnExpress-Vietnam News): A Vietnam Airlines flight from Munich to Hanoi, operated by a Boeing 787-9, was forced to return shortly after takeoff on Aug. 15 due to a technical problem.
Vietnam Airlines said the crew followed standard procedures after the issue occurred and safely returned to the German airport.
All passengers and crew members were safe and were escorted into the terminal.
The airline is working with authorities and relevant parties to determine the cause of the incident.
It is also arranging support and alternative travel for affected passengers and said further updates would be provided once inspections are completed and operational plans finalized.
Videos recorded from near the airport show the Boeing 787 accelerating along the runway and rotating extremely close to the end of the runway. Dust can be seen being kicked up as the aircraft became airborne.
The Aviation Herald reports that the aircraft experienced a "late rotation, tailstrike and runway overrun", with subsequent tyre damage.
According to European aviation site Airlive, after the incident the aircraft climbed to around 9,000 feet and entered a holding pattern, apparently allowing fuel to be burned and giving crews on the ground time to assess the situation. Emergency services were placed on standby at Munich Airport.
Around two hours after takeoff, the aircraft returned to Munich. Contact with the runway reportedly damaged the tires and produced smoke.
Vietnam Airlines operates direct services from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Munich and Frankfurt, using wide-body Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft. -- VnExpress-Vietnam News
