BFU investigates tail contact of a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 at Munich Airport

The Federal Aviation Accident Investigation Institute (BFU) has explained the incident with a Vietnam Airlines plane in more detail. The Boeing 787-9 took off from runway 26L at 1:57 p.m. on Saturday and took off late, the authority wrote in a statement.

At the moment shortly before take-off it says: “During the rotation phase, the tail touched the ground.” Tire tracks were also identified at the end of the runway that could be attributed to the aircraft. At 3:58 p.m. the plane finally landed on runway 26R at Munich Airport.

The BFU experts in Braunschweig are currently examining the Dreamliner's flight recorders. “The reading and analysis of the data will take some time,” it said. According to the Federal Institute, corresponding bodies in Vietnam and the USA, where the aircraft manufacturer Boeing is based, are also involved in the investigation.

According to the authorities, it is still unclear what reasons led to the near accident. “Further facts about people and technology as well as the organizational influencing factors still need to be determined,” said the BFU. An investigation report will analyze the facts, draw conclusions and also state the causes of the accident.