TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Strong crosswinds from Typhoon Wipha created treacherous landing conditions at Taoyuan International Airport (桃園機場), Taiwan's main international gateway, on Saturday (July 19). Powerful gusts reaching up to 45 knots (83.34 kmh) forced pilots to execute challenging maneuvers. One EVA Air (長榮航空) Boeing 777 notably employed a crab approach technique where the aircraft flies at an angle to counter the crosswind.
The EVA Air flight visibly tilted and swayed upon touchdown as intense winds buffeted the aircraft. Witnesses observed substantial white smoke generated from the landing gear's friction against the runway, forcing the pilot to abort the landing and perform a go-around maneuver. After the successful second attempt, shaken passengers reportedly expressed both gratitude for the pilot's skillful handling and reluctance to experience such a nerve-wracking landing again.
Cebu Pacific Air (宿霧太平洋航空), a Philippine low-cost carrier, encountered similar difficulties as a scheduled flight from Manila (馬尼拉) to Taipei was forced to turn back due to the deteriorating weather conditions. The airline subsequently canceled all remaining flights between Taipei and the Philippines for the day, stranding hundreds of passengers as the typhoon's effects intensified.
Aviation expert Shi Qing Sheng (史慶生), a veteran pilot not involved in Saturday's incidents, emphasized that experience is crucial when handling crosswind landings. He noted that commercial pilots undergo mandatory wind shear training annually to prepare for precisely these dangerous scenarios, adding that simulators help pilots practice emergency procedures without putting passengers at risk.