A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 bound for Hanoi returned to Munich on Sunday after warnings indicated possible contact between the aircraft's tail and the runway and low tyre pressure shortly after takeoff, Vietnam's aviation authority said.
The aircraft circled for more than two hours to burn fuel before returning to Munich, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24, which reported that the aircraft had overrun the runway during takeoff.
"After takeoff, warnings were triggered indicating contact between the aircraft's tail and the runway and low tyre pressure," the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) said in a statement issued late Sunday.
Vietnam Airlines initially said the flight had returned because of a "technical issue". All 271 passengers and 16 crew members were safe, the carrier said.
Munich Airport said the aircraft was unable to taxi from the north runway under its own power after landing and remained stranded, affecting airport operations.
Investigation underway
The CAAV said it was coordinating with German authorities and seeking information on the incident and investigation.
German authorities are leading the investigation under international aviation rules, while Vietnam's Council for the Investigation of Serious Incidents and Aircraft Accidents will assist, the CAAV said.
Vietnam Airlines arranged alternative travel for affected passengers on its own flights and those operated by other airlines, while providing accommodation, meals and ground transportation for passengers awaiting replacement flights, Vietnamese state media reported.
