{"id":159165,"date":"2026-09-30T09:13:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T03:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=159165"},"modified":"2026-09-30T01:44:17","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T20:14:17","slug":"vietnam-airlines-787-nearly-ran-out-of-runway-after-strange-brake-inputs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/30\/vietnam-airlines-787-nearly-ran-out-of-runway-after-strange-brake-inputs\/","title":{"rendered":"Vietnam Airlines 787 Nearly Ran Out of Runway After Strange Brake Inputs in Munich"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

MUNICH\u2014<\/strong> A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9<\/a> came dangerously close to overrunning Munich Airport\u2019s runway during takeoff on August 15, after investigators found evidence that the aircraft\u2019s brakes were repeatedly activated during its takeoff roll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft eventually became airborne beyond the runway, struck approach lighting and returned to Munich after the crew declared an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vietnam Airlines (VN)<\/a> was operating flight VN34 from Munich Airport (MUC)<\/a> to Hanoi with 271 passengers and 16 crew members aboard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No one was injured, but the Boeing 787-9 sustained substantial damage, and Germany\u2019s Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) has classified the event as an accident while its investigation continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Anna Zvereva | Wikimedia Commons\nhttps:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Vietnam_Airlines,_VN-A866,_Boeing_787-9_Dreamliner_(49574713273).jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Brakes Activated During Takeoff<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The BFU\u2019s preliminary findings provide an unusual explanation for why the widebody failed to accelerate normally despite using Munich\u2019s 4,000-meter (13,123-foot) Runway 26L. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flight-recorder data showed movements of both brake pedals at the left-hand pilot seat only seconds after the takeoff mode was activated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further braking activity occurred during the takeoff<\/a> roll, with the Brake System Control Unit recording commands of approximately 27% on the left side and 17% on the right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft continued moving forward, but its speed remained around 168 knots for approximately 18 seconds, limiting the available runway before rotation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft\u2019s calculated rotation speed was 175 knots, yet the crew began rotation at only 163 knots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 787 then lifted off from the grass beyond the opposite runway threshold, with its main landing gear and tail striking an approach-light structure during the departure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Vietnam
Photo: Vietnam Airlines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Vietnam’s 787 Left Runway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The sequence became particularly critical because the aircraft reached the calculated V1 speed only after becoming airborne. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its stall-protection system subsequently activated as the aircraft climbed away, while the crew continued the departure and prepared to return to Munich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After gaining sufficient altitude, the crew returned to the airport and landed on another runway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft had sustained damage to its landing gear<\/a> and rear fuselage, while runway and approach lighting were also damaged during the incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The preliminary report does not establish why the brake inputs occurred. Investigators must still determine whether the recorded braking resulted from pilot control inputs, a technical issue, or another factor, meaning the latest findings should not be treated as a final determination of the cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo- tjdarmstadt | Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Investigation of VN 34 Continues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The BFU\u2019s findings explain an important part of the aircraft\u2019s poor acceleration, but they do not yet provide a complete explanation for the sequence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investigators are continuing to examine the aircraft, flight-recording data and other evidence to establish how the braking commands were generated and why the takeoff continued, OMAAT flagged<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The incident is therefore still under investigation, with the preliminary report providing evidence rather than a final conclusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vietnam Airlines has previously said that the crew followed procedures and safely returned to Munich after the technical problem occurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Vietnam Airlines Frankfurt to Hanoi Flight Diverted to India<\/a><\/blockquote>