by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 11:45 AM ET, Wed January 21, 2026
EVA Air plane. (Photo Credit: Ryan / Adobe Stock)
A pilot operating a commercial plane with Taiwan’s EVA Airways allegedly got into an altercation with his first officer while taxiing before takeoff at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), prompting an investigation by the airline and by Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration.
According to the report, the pilot, a Taiwanese man whose last name was Wen, apparently began taxiing the plane too fast, above the 30-knot speed limit. When the first officer warned Wen repeatedly, the pilot ignored him, prompting the first officer to apply the brakes.
The report then claims the pilot punched the first officer at least four times. The pilot had bruising and swelling on the back of one hand. It is not clear what the extent of the first officer’s injuries were.
The incident was reported by Focus Taiwan, which didn’t provide a specific incident date. Simple Flying noted that EVA Air made their first statement about the incident January 3, so it likely happened some time before that date.
A whistleblower provided information, noting that it was strange the pilot was allowed to continue piloting the flight following the altercation, despite his emotional instability and assault.
This past Saturday, EVA Air announced it launched an investigation into what had happened. The pilot is currently suspended from flying duties and will be referred to EVA Air’s disciplinary review board, and airline data from the flight’s quick access recorder, according to the airline, noted the plane was not speeding while taxiing, providing conflicting information.
Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration is also investigating, which may lead to legal charges if any crew are found to have endangered anyone onboard.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
