TAIPEI (TVBS News) — T'way Airlines (티웨이항공, 德威航空) flight TW-687 from Jeju Island, South Korea, experienced a tire detachment upon landing at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (桃園國際機場) on Sunday (Feb. 8). The incident, occurring at 3:52 p.m., forced the closure of the airport's north runway for 100 minutes, impacting 14 flights during a peak travel period.
The Taoyuan Airport Corporation reported that although the T'way Airlines flight landed safely, the detached tire led to significant disruptions. Many flights had to circle until the north runway reopened at 5:35 p.m. According to TWSkyWave's YouTube channel, three flights issued "Mayday" distress signals due to low fuel between 6:52 p.m. and 7 p.m.
EVA Air (長榮航空) flight BR392 initiated the first "Mayday" call at 6:52 p.m., followed by BR007 at 6:57 p.m. Hong Kong Airlines (香港航空) flight HX26 made three "Mayday" calls at 7 p.m. Former pilot Yu Hao-wei (于皓瑋) explained that a "Mayday" signal indicates a plane can remain airborne for only 15 minutes before engines risk shutting down.
Yu also noted that tires typically secure with fuses, which could break under stress or improper maintenance, causing detachment. Taoyuan Airport Corporation has informed the Civil Aeronautics Administration, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and the Aviation Safety Council in accordance with the Aircraft Accident and Serious Incident Investigation Regulations.