Abstract The breakup of ⁹Be is studied via an inelastic scattering experiment on a proton target at 5.6 A MeV in inverse kinematics. Two of the three cluster constituents (α and α) as well as the proton target recoil were recorded in a triple coincidence mode allowing a full kinematics approach analysis. In this respect relative α - α and α - n, Q-value and ⁹Be excitation spectra, energy spectra for all fragments as well as the energy spectrum of the recoil proton were reconstructed. A clear signature of the two breakup sequential modes (⁵He + ⁴He and ⁸Be + n) was identified via the recoiling proton reconstructed spectra together with the direct breakup decay. A strong ⁵He + ⁴He mode was observed compatible with previous beta decay experiments.