EVA Air has suspended a senior pilot after reports that the pilot allegedly struck a first officer during taxiing at LAX following a dispute over the 30-knot taxi speed limit. The first officer reportedly applied manual brakes and sustained swelling and bruising. EVA Air has launched an internal inquiry and will refer the pilot—identified in some reports as Wen—to its disciplinary review board, while Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration is also investigating.
EVA Air Suspends Senior Pilot After Alleged Cockpit Assault Over Taxi Speed at LAX
GettyA pilot and first officer operate an aircraft.
EVA Air has suspended a senior pilot and opened an internal investigation after reports that the pilot allegedly struck a first officer while taxiing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
What Happened
According to reporting by Taiwan’s Focus Taiwan, the dispute began when the first officer warned the senior pilot that the aircraft was taxiing above the 30-knot limit. After repeated cautions, the first officer reportedly applied the manual brakes in accordance with standard operating procedures. The senior pilot allegedly responded by striking the first officer at least four times, leaving swelling and bruising on the back of one hand.
PATRICK LIN/AFP via GettyAn EVA Air plane
“EVA Air launched an investigation immediately after learning of the incident,” the airline said in a statement shared with aviation outlet AirLive. “We are currently working to confirm the exact details of what occurred and have suspended the pilot involved pending the results of the inquiry.”
Investigations Underway
Focus Taiwan reports that data from the flight’s quick access recorder indicated the aircraft was operating within taxi-speed regulations at the time of the incident. The carrier has not disclosed the flight number, date, whether passengers were on board, or whether service was delayed or canceled.
A whistleblower who spoke to Reporter Taiwan in late December 2025 expressed disappointment that EVA Air did not immediately activate its emergency response plan. The source described the pilot’s behavior as emotionally unstable and suggested it may have posed a risk to passenger safety.
GettyAn upset passenger plane pilot
After the internal review is completed, the pilot—identified in some reports as Wen—will be referred to EVA Air’s disciplinary review board. Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration has confirmed it will investigate and warned it may impose legal penalties if the pilot’s actions are found to have affected passenger safety.
The airline has not released the pilot’s identity publicly and did not immediately respond to a request for comment from PEOPLE. Investigations by both the carrier and regulators are ongoing.
Sources: Focus Taiwan, AirLive, Reporter Taiwan, PEOPLE, Taiwan Civil Aviation Administration.
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