A Vietnam Airlines flight had to jettison fuel and make an emergency landing after its tail hit the runway during takeoff.
The Boeing 787-9, on route from Munich, Germany to Hanoi, Vietnam, overshot the runway at takeoff, as reported by flight-tracking platform Flightradar24.
In a video clip shared on X by aircraft engineer Fahad Naim, flight VN-34 is seen taxiing down the runway before a loud thud breaks the calm.
The rear of the aircraft seemed to hit the ground, stirring up a significant dust cloud while utilizing almost the full runway length for lift-off.
The plane was observed circling at an altitude of about 9,000 feet above Munich for nearly two hours, with footage on Flightradar24 capturing the aircraft releasing fuel before safely landing back at Munich International Airport.
Naim also shared images he claims show damage to the aircraft, noting that “the whole tail strike module is gone” and there were “punctured tyres.”
He also pointed to “a puncture through the lower fuselage, with torn composite and heavy scrape marks running aft.”
He says he suspects a brake seizure or internal fault, however he notes that it’s too early for the exact cause of the incident to be confirmed.
Vietnam Airlines said in a statement to Reuters that the plane had returned to its departure airport due to a “technical issue.”
It noted that flight crew had followed procedures and landed safely at Munich Airport.
“The passengers and cabin crew members are safe,” the airline said.
Vietnam Airlines said the aircraft is being inspected and it is co-ordinating with the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, Munich Airport said that after the flight returned it was unable to taxi off the north runway after under its own power and was stranded, forcing the runway to be closed and planes to be rerouted via the south runway.
news.com.au has contacted Vietnam Airlines for comment.