Punches Thrown Before Takeoff: EVA Air Probes Alleged Cockpit Assault During LAX Taxi
EVA Air has launched an internal investigation after allegations that a captain punched a first officer while the aircraft was taxiing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) ahead of a nonstop flight to Taipei. The pilot accused of striking the first officer has been suspended pending the outcome of the probe.
Reports indicate the confrontation began as a safety-related dispute over taxi speed. While the first officer alleges the aircraft was moving too quickly, initial data reviewed by the airline reportedly suggests the aircraft was operating within limits.
What Allegedly Happened on the Taxi Out
According to the account cited in local reporting, the flight was taxiing toward the runway when the first officer became concerned the aircraft was traveling above the permitted taxi speed, claimed to be 30 knots.
After multiple verbal warnings allegedly went unanswered, the first officer reportedly applied the brakes manually, a step described as consistent with standard operating procedures if a safety issue is perceived. The other pilot allegedly took offense at the intervention and struck the first officer several times, resulting in bruising and swelling to the hand.
EVA Air’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
EVA Air has confirmed it is reviewing the incident and has suspended the pilot accused of throwing punches while the investigation proceeds. The case is also expected to go before an internal disciplinary process.
Separately, Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration is reported to be conducting its own review and could impose penalties if investigators determine the incident compromised operational safety.
The Taxi-Speed Dispute: What the Early Data Suggests
A key point under review is whether the aircraft was actually taxiing too fast. Initial information referenced in reporting indicates that data from the aircraft’s recorder reviewed so far suggests the Boeing 777-300ER was not speeding at the time—potentially undermining the first officer’s taxi-speed claim, even as the alleged physical altercation remains the central concern.
Route Context: EVA Air’s LAX–Taipei Nonstop
EVA Air operates nonstop service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Taipei (TPE) in a competitive market also served by other Taiwanese carriers. The typical gate-to-gate duration is around 14–15 hours, depending on winds and routing.
Bottom Line
If the allegations are confirmed, a physical altercation during taxi would represent a serious breach of professional conduct and cockpit discipline—regardless of whether the aircraft was within taxi-speed limits. EVA Air has suspended the accused pilot and opened an internal review, while Taiwan’s aviation regulator is also examining the incident.
