Brake Inputs Recorded Before Vietnam Airlines 787 Overran Munich Runway
A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 overran a Munich runway in August after repeated brake inputs during takeoff, German investigators say.
German accident investigators have found that a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 recorded repeated brake inputs during its takeoff roll before it overran a runway and struck approach lighting at Munich Airport last month.
The aircraft was operating a scheduled Munich–Hanoi flight on August 15, carrying 271 passengers, 12 cabin crew and four pilots. It sustained substantial damage, but no injuries were reported, according to the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU).
Flight recorder data showed movement of the left-side brake pedals and corresponding activation of the brake system shortly after the takeoff run began. A second braking event was logged moments before rotation. The interim report does not say whether the inputs came from pilot action or a technical fault.
Investigators have secured brake-related components and other system parts from the jet for examination.
According to the BFU, the aircraft's speed stayed near 168 knots (311 kph) for about 18 seconds during the takeoff roll before the co-pilot in the right seat increased engine thrust shortly before liftoff. The jet rotated below its calculated takeoff speed and became airborne from a grass area beyond the runway and its clearway. Its tail section and both main landing gear struck parts of the airport's approach-lighting system, causing substantial damage.
The flight's designated pilot in command, seated in the left jump seat at takeoff, took over the controls after the aircraft became airborne. The pilot flying at takeoff was a 64-year-old in the left seat with 27,182 flying hours.
The crew dumped 62 metric tons of fuel before returning to Munich, where the aircraft landed safely about two hours later. Four tyres on the left main landing gear were found damaged after landing.
The BFU said the cockpit voice recording covering the takeoff was unavailable because its two-hour recording time had been overwritten. The investigation is ongoing and no final conclusions have been reached. Air accidents typically result from a combination of factors, and inquiries can take at least a year to complete.
Vietnam Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment.