Vietnam Air Jet Brakes Applied Twice Before Tail Strike

A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 aircraft experienced a critical incident last month at Munich Airport when its brakes were engaged twice while accelerating down the runway. This occurred during a takeoff attempt, leading to a significantly delayed departure and a tail strike, where the rear of the aircraft made contact with the ground. The incident, detailed in a subsequent report, highlights a serious operational anomaly that could have had severe consequences.

The aircraft, identified as a Boeing 787 operated by Vietnam Airlines JSC, was on the runway at Munich Airport when the dual brake application occurred. The precise timing and reason for the simultaneous or near-simultaneous engagement of the brakes are central to the ongoing investigation. Such an event during takeoff is highly unusual and dangerous, as it directly opposes the aircraft's need to accelerate to flying speed. The report indicates that the pilots managed to abort the takeoff after the brake application and subsequent tail strike, preventing a more catastrophic outcome. The tail strike itself suggests that the aircraft may have been attempting to lift off despite the braking action, or that the braking action caused a pitch-up moment that resulted in the tail scraping the runway surface.

Following the incident, the aircraft was subjected to thorough inspections to assess any damage incurred from the tail strike and the braking event. The report's findings are crucial for understanding the sequence of events and identifying any potential system malfunctions or human errors that contributed to the situation. Munich Airport, a major international hub, has stringent safety protocols, and any deviation from standard operating procedures is taken very seriously. The investigation will likely examine flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders to reconstruct the pilots' actions and any communications during the critical phase of takeoff. The involvement of Boeing Co., the aircraft manufacturer, is also probable, as they would be interested in any findings related to the operational integrity of their 787 model.

Vietnam Airlines JSC, the carrier operating the flight, will be cooperating fully with the investigation. The airline's safety record and procedures will undoubtedly come under scrutiny. This incident underscores the complex interplay of technology, human factors, and environmental conditions that pilots must manage during flight operations. The report's conclusions will be vital for implementing corrective measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring the continued safety of air travel. The specific date of the incident and the flight number have not been publicly disclosed in the initial reporting, but the event occurred within the last month at Munich Airport.