Investigation Ties Vietnam 787 Tail Strike to Two Brake Inputs

A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 operating flight VN34 from Munich to Hanoi on August 15, 2026, recorded two left-side brake inputs during the takeoff roll, a German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation interim report released September 28, 2026 found. With TOGA thrust engaged, speed plateaued near V1 for about 18 seconds. Peak brake commands were 27% on the left and 17% on the right, with pedal position at 7.2° of 12.5° possible. The pilot monitoring raised thrust from 100% to 101%. Rotation came at 163 kt against a calculated VR of 175 kt, with V1 at 169 kt and V2 at 180 kt. The jet lifted off from grass beyond the runway threshold; the tail section and main landing gear wheels struck approach lighting and destroyed 20 lamps. Reuters reports 271 passengers, 12 cabin crew and four pilots; the Straits Times reports 287 passengers and crew; Simple Flying and Aviacionline report 271 passengers and 16 crew. No injuries were reported. The crew continued the takeoff after judging there was not enough runway remaining to stop, returned to Munich after inspection passes, and the aircraft landed with damaged tires and was evacuated. Investigators have not determined whether the inputs came from pilot action or a technical problem. The investigation is ongoing and no final findings have been issued.