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BRAKES WERE ACTIVATED DURING A B787-9 TAKEOFF AND THE AIRCRAFT RAN OFF THE RUNWAY AT MUNICH. A preliminary BFU investigation into a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 occurrence at Munich has found repeated brake pedal inputs during the take-off roll, with braking commands recorded on both sides. The aircraft, bound for Hanoi with 271 passengers and 16 crew, took off at 240.9 tonnes with V1 169 kt, Vr 175 kt and V2 180 kt. At 11:56:15 UTC, just seconds after TOGA was activated, the EAFR recorded rudder pedal input and movement of BOTH left-seat brake pedals. The aircraft continued accelerating, but braking activity was recorded again. At 11:57:12 UTC, the left BSCU recorded a maximum brake command of about 27%, while the right BSCU reached about 17%. The maximum recorded brake-pedal position was 7.2° out of a possible 12.5°. Shortly before rotation, the PM manually increased thrust from 100% to 101% N1. Then came the critical moment. At 11:57:14 UTC, rotation began at just 163 kt below the calculated Vr of 175 kt about abeam the runway threshold. The 787-9 lifted off from the grass beyond the runway 08R threshold. Its main landing gear and tail struck runway approach-lighting equipment, damaging 20 lamps. The aircraft climbed away, but the consequences of the takeoff became apparent. At 11:57:21 UTC, the leading-edge slats automatically extended as the aircraft's stall-protection system activated. At 11:57:22 UTC, TOGA mode was activated. V2 of 180 kt was finally reached at 76 ft radio altitude, followed by landing-gear retraction. The aircraft later returned to Munich after dumping approximately 62 tonnes of fuel. During the subsequent approaches, the crew reported expecting a flat tire on takeoff. Four tires on the LEFT main landing gear were found damaged after landing. The aircraft had suffered substantial fuselage damage when the tail contacted the ground and runway lighting. There were no injuries. The BFU has seized the Brake System Control Units (BSCUs) and Electric Brake Actuator Controllers for detailed examination. The investigation is ongoing, but the preliminary data paints a remarkable picture: brake inputs were recorded during the takeoff roll, braking commands were registered by both BSCUs, the aircraft rotated below the calculated Vr, and the 787-9 left the paved runway surface before becoming airborne. Think about this, a 240.9-tonne Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, accelerating for takeoff, while the brakes were being applied. The final cause and why the braking occurred remains to be determined.