EVA Air’s Boeing 787-9 Experiences Tail Strike During Go-Around in Taipei

An EVA Air Boeing 787-9 recently experienced a tail strike while attempting a go-around at Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) in Taiwan.

The incident involved flight BR-711, which was traveling from Shanghai Pudong (PVG) to Taipei. On October 4, 2025, as the aircraft was nearing the runway, the flight crew decided to execute a go-around at a very low altitude. During this maneuver, the main landing gear briefly made contact with the runway, causing the tail to scrape the surface before the aircraft ascended once more.

After climbing to around 3,000 feet, the crew adjusted the aircraft’s approach and successfully landed about 15 minutes later.

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among passengers or crew members.

EVA Air, recognized as one of Taiwan’s leading airlines, confirmed that the tail strike inflicted minor damage to the aircraft’s tail strike protection system. As a result, the protective strip will need replacing, and a thorough inspection is planned before the plane resumes operation.

While tail strikes during go-around procedures are uncommon, they can pose significant safety and maintenance challenges. Even with modern protection systems equipped on aircraft like the EVA Air Boeing 787-9, such incidents can lead to structural damage that necessitates careful evaluation.

As of the latest updates, the aircraft remains grounded in Taipei.

What are your thoughts on the safety measures taken during such incidents?