The Ministry of Construction said on August 18 that it had received a report from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam concerning an incident involving Vietnam Airlines flight VN34 at Munich International Airport in Germany on August 15.
To ensure the highest possible level of aviation safety and prevent similar incidents, the ministry has instructed the aviation authority and Vietnam Airlines to take a series of measures.
The rear tyre section of the aircraft was severely damaged after landing (Photo: Nguyen Ninh).
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam was ordered to establish an official communication channel and coordinate with German aircraft accident and incident investigators and other relevant agencies.
It was also instructed to strengthen safety oversight of training for aviation personnel, as well as aircraft operations and maintenance by Vietnamese airlines.
The ministry asked the aviation authority to provide objective, comprehensive and timely information about the incident and prevent inaccurate reports and rumours from causing public concern.
Once the German authorities complete their investigation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam must promptly report the findings to the Ministry of Construction and propose and implement corrective and preventive measures to avoid similar incidents.
Vietnam Airlines was instructed to closely cooperate with German investigators, the aircraft manufacturer and the engine manufacturer throughout the investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
The airline was also ordered to review all procedures relating to aviation personnel training, aircraft operations and maintenance.
In addition to the investigation and safety review, the ministry told Vietnam Airlines to fully meet its obligations as an air carrier towards passengers affected by the incident.
The ministry ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam and Vietnam Airlines to urgently implement the measures and report the results as required.
According to Vietnam Airlines, flight VN34 from Munich to Hanoi took off at 1.57 pm local time on August 15.
After take-off, the aircraft's systems issued warnings indicating that its tail may have struck the runway and that there was an issue with tyre pressure.
The crew notified air traffic controllers and decided to return to Munich airport for a technical inspection.
The aircraft landed safely, and all 271 passengers and 16 crew members disembarked using mobile stairs.