German investigators probe Vietnam Airlines Dreamliner tail-strike at Munich Airport

MUNICH, Germany — Germany's Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation has released details of an incident in which a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner narrowly avoided a full accident during takeoff from Munich Airport. According to the agency's statement, the aircraft's tail struck the runway as it was rotating for departure from runway 26L on Saturday. Investigators said they identified what appeared to be tire marks from the aircraft near the end of the runway. The plane continued its climb and returned to Munich about two hours later, landing on runway 26R. Initial findings indicated smoke had risen from a landing gear unit during landing and that tires had burst. All 270 passengers and crew members on board were reported uninjured. The agency said it is continuing to examine the circumstances of the tail-strike and subsequent gear failure.