Germany’s Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation has identified brake inputs during the takeoff roll as a key line of inquiry in the Munich overrun involving a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9. The aircraft, operating a scheduled flight to Hanoi with 271 passengers, 12 cabin crew and four pilots on board, overran the runway on 15 August, struck approach lighting and sustained substantial damage, though no injuries were reported.
Flight recorder data show movement of the left-seat brake pedals shortly after the takeoff run began, followed by further brake-system activation before liftoff. The aircraft remained at roughly 168 knots for about 18 seconds before thrust was increased again shortly before rotation. The pilot in the left seat was a 64-year-old captain with extensive experience, while the captain normally responsible for the flight was seated on the jump seat.
The BFU has secured brake-related components, including Brake System Control Units and Electric Brake Actuator Controllers, for further examination. The interim report does not yet determine whether the braking resulted from pilot action or a technical malfunction, and the investigation remains open.