Vietnam ministry calls for cooperation in probe into flight VN34 incident in Munich

The flight from Munich to Hanoi returned to its departure airport shortly after take-off as the crew detected a technical abnormality.

The ministry issued the directive following a report from the aviation authority on the incident, stressing the need to ensure absolute aviation safety and prevent similar incidents from occurring.

The authority was asked to immediately establish an official communication channel and coordinate with Germany’s aircraft accident investigation authority and other relevant agencies.

It must also obtain information and participate in the probe in accordance with regulations.

The Vietnamese aviation authority and Vietnam Airlines were also instructed to strengthen safety oversight of training programs for aviation personnel, as well as aircraft operations and maintenance activities.

Also, the authority must provide objective, complete and timely information about the incident to prevent false rumors from causing public concern.

Besides, it is required to promptly report the findings of the German investigation and any corrective and preventive measures adopted following the incident.

For Vietnam Airlines, the ministry requested close cooperation in the investigation and coordination with the aircraft and engine manufacturers to help determine the cause of the incident.

The national flag carrier was also ordered to review all procedures relating to the training of aviation personnel, aircraft operations and maintenance, while strictly fulfilling its obligations as an air carrier toward affected passengers.

Flight VN34 returns to Munich after take-off

According to the report submitted by the aviation authority to the ministry, flight VN34 was scheduled to operate from Munich International Airport in Germany to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.

The flight took off at 1:57 pm local time in Munich and 6:57 pm Vietnam time.

After take-off, the aircraft generated warnings indicating a possible tail strike on the runway and a tire-pressure warning.

The flight crew notified air traffic controllers and decided to return to the German airport for a thorough technical inspection.

In coordination with air traffic controllers and ground personnel, the crew decided to evacuate all passengers from the aircraft using mobile stairs and move them safely into the terminal.

All 271 passengers and 16 crew members were safe following the incident, with no injuries reported.

Germany responsible for investigating the incident

The Vietnamese authority said in the report that under Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which sets international standards and recommended practices for the investigation of aircraft accidents, Germany’s aircraft accident investigation authority is responsible for probing the cause of the incident.

As per the Vietnamese government’s Decree No. 221, Vietnam’s aviation authority and the aircraft accident and serious incident investigation council are responsible for coordinating and participating in investigations of aircraft incidents.

Vietnamese authorities are in contact with their German counterparts to coordinate on the case and seek the earliest possible information about the incident and the investigation.