TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Air cargo flight UPS61 sustained engine damage while landing in strong crosswinds from Typhoon Podul at Taoyuan International Airport on Wednesday at 8:12 p.m.
The pilot reportedly circled the runway twice before making a third landing attempt. During the final approach, the Boeing aircraft swayed side to side, causing its right engine to scrape the runway. The plane was able to taxi to the freight apron, and no injuries were reported.
The airport said in a press release that investigators immediately inspected the aircraft and the north runway, which was temporarily closed for repairs and debris removal. It reopened for dual-runway operations at 11:38 p.m., per UDN.
Taiwan Transportation Safety Board Executive Director Lin Pei-da (林沛達) said the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) have been retrieved. He will convene a meeting to determine whether the incident warrants further investigation.
According to weather data from the airport, strong gusts and wind shear were reported at 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, with gusts averaging 36–41 knots (62–76 kph). The shear was significant, posing risks to aircraft taking off and landing.
