Taipei, October 4, 2025 — An EVA Air Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner experienced a tail strike during a go-around maneuver while approaching Taipei Songshan Airport. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
The aircraft, registered B-17881, was operating flight BR-711 from Shanghai Pudong (PVG) to Taipei Songshan (TSA) when the crew initiated a go-around at low altitude. During the maneuver, the aircraft’s main landing gear briefly touched the runway surface, causing the tail to scrape the runway.
Following the incident, the crew climbed to approximately 3,000 feet, held in a pattern, and landed safely about 15 minutes later.
In a statement, EVA Air confirmed that the aircraft sustained only minor damage to the tail strike protection system. The airline noted that the protective component will be replaced and that a detailed technical inspection will be conducted before the aircraft is returned to service.
EVA Air emphasized that no passengers or crew members were harmed and that all safety procedures were followed appropriately. As of the latest data from Flightradar24, the aircraft remains grounded at Taipei Songshan Airport for further inspection.
Understanding Tail Strike Events and Associated Risks
Tail strikes typically occur when the rear fuselage of an aircraft contacts the runway surface during takeoff or landing, usually due to excessive pitch angle or abrupt flight control inputs. Although uncommon, such events can exert significant stress on the airframe and require thorough examination.
Modern commercial aircraft, including the Boeing 787-9, are equipped with tail strike protection systems designed to absorb and minimize impact damage. Despite these safety features, each incident necessitates comprehensive post-event inspections and any necessary maintenance actions before the aircraft can be cleared for further operations.
