Vietnam Airlines plane returns to Munich Airport after takeoff due to tire and landing gear damage
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A Vietnam Airlines plane returned to Munich Airport shortly after takeoff due to detected damage to its tires and landing gear.
- The aircraft had to be towed, temporarily closing a runway and causing potential flight delays.
- Passengers disembarked safely, and an investigation into the cause of the damage is underway.
A Vietnam Airlines flight bound for Hanoi was forced to return to Munich Airport shortly after its departure due to damage sustained by the aircraft's tires and landing gear. The plane's unusual length of time to lift off from the runway, coupled with dust kicked up from the surface, preceded the issue. After circling and releasing kerosene, the aircraft landed safely approximately two hours after takeoff. During the landing, tire fragments detached from the plane. The exact cause of the decision to turn back and the subsequent damage remain unclear. The aircraft became immobile on the runway due to its damaged landing gear, requiring towing and temporary closure of the northern runway. Passengers were evacuated onto the tarmac and returned to the terminal. No injuries were reported, and officials from the Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation were involved.
Damages to tires and landing gear were identified.
Originally published by Der Spiegel in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.