Taipei, January 21 - A recent incident involving EVA Air has raised serious concerns about cockpit safety and crew conduct at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). During taxiing for a flight from LAX to Taipei on a Boeing 777, the captain, surnamed Wen, allegedly assaulted the first officer after a disagreement over taxi speed. The Malaysian first officer repeatedly warned the Taiwanese captain that the aircraft was exceeding the standard 30-knot limit, but received no response. Following standard operating procedures, the first officer applied the brakes manually, prompting an angry reaction from the captain, who reportedly struck the first officer at least four times, resulting in swelling and bruising on the back of the first officer's hand.
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The altercation occurred while the aircraft was preparing for departure on the long-haul route, highlighting potential challenges in maintaining professional composure under operational pressures. Aviation authorities emphasize that adherence to crew resource management principles is essential to prevent such escalations, as any disruption in the cockpit can compromise flight safety. The flight ultimately continued to Taipei, but the incident prompted immediate action from the airline.
EVA Air swiftly suspended the captain from flying duties and launched a comprehensive internal investigation to verify the details and circumstances of the event. The airline has stressed its commitment to flight safety, professional ethics, and a supportive working environment, while providing support, including psychological counseling, to both crew members involved. Data from the aircraft's quick access recorder has been submitted to regulators, indicating that the taxi speed complied with limits, though the full facts remain under review.
Taiwan's Civil Aviation Administration has also opened its own probe into the matter, with potential legal penalties if any actions are found to have endangered safety. Once the investigation concludes, the suspended captain will face further review by the airline's disciplinary board. This event underscores the critical importance of mutual respect and effective communication in the cockpit to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety.
