In mid-August 2026, a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 faced a distressing takeoff from Munich, extending beyond the runway and causing damage to both the runway lights and the aircraft. Thankfully, the plane ultimately became airborne, with all 287 passengers and crew members on board remaining unscathed. The incident was especially bewildering considering the runway’s substantial length of over 13,000 feet. A preliminary report has been issued, yet it has only intensified the enigma surrounding the occurrence.
The German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) disclosed that there were repeated brake pedal activations from the captain’s side during the takeoff. The flight recorder captured movements of the rudder pedals and brake pedal inputs mere seconds after the takeoff roll commenced. While the aircraft continued to gain speed, braking activity was consistently documented. The Brake System Control Unit (BSCU) recorded a peak brake command of around 27% on the left and 17% on the right. The pilots made an attempt to rotate the aircraft at 163 knots, which is below the calculated VR (rotation speed) of 175 knots. The stall protection system engaged, deploying the leading edge slats, and the aircraft barely lifted off before returning for an emergency landing in Munich, where it remains grounded.
This account prompts additional inquiries. The Dreamliner advanced down the runway without achieving adequate speed, despite not being overweight and having thrust applied. The activation of the brakes appears logical, but what prompted this action? Pilots engage rudder pedals for directional control during takeoff without using the brakes. The incident took place at the captain’s position, heightening the confusion, as the more seasoned pilot would not ordinarily commit such an oversight. Potential reasons include a malfunction in the pedals or an intentional action, although the latter raises troubling speculation.
The preliminary report provides some clarity but leaves numerous questions unresolved. Why didn’t the pilots abort the takeoff when the aircraft failed to accelerate correctly? Was there a system malfunction, pilot misunderstanding, or some other contributing factor? The investigation is ongoing, with efforts aimed at shedding light on this nearly catastrophic incident.