On April 16, 2023, a ground-handling incident happened at Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), resulting in damage to two EVA Air aircraft.
The planes involved were an empty Airbus A321-200 which was being towed, and a Boeing B777-300ER, with registration B-16740, also empty, that was parked on the runway.
The A321, with registration B-16227, was reportedly being towed by an employee of EVA Air Logistics, according to local media.
The wingtip of the A321 struck the B777’s fuselage close behind the cockpit as the driver unintentionally reached the apron while turning on the taxiway.
Photos shared on Twitter plainly reveal that both aircraft suffered damage. Near the nose of the B777, one can see the wingtip of the A321 stuck in the fuselage.
A tail strike during a failed landing in Guam in August 2021 occurred involving the same A321 aircraft.
In a statement seen by Taiwan English News, EVA Air said that it had informed the relevant authorities of the incident, and is still investigating the causes and extent of damage to the two planes.
The airline added that the accident-related personnel have been suspended.
