UPS 747 lands in Taipei during typhoon

A UPS 747-8F faced a difficult landing sequence in Taipei as Typhoon Podul battered the area, touching down on the third attempt.

UPS 747 Lands in Taipei Amid Typhoon After Three Approaches

UPS Flight 5X61, traveling from Hong Kong to Taipei Taoyuan International, battled strong winds and heavy rain as Typhoon Podul swept through northern Taiwan. After entering a holding pattern, the crew executed two go arounds before attempting a third approach. The aircraft touched down but scraped the right engine on the runway, causing an engine cowling to separate. There were no injuries among crew or cargo, and the plane was subsequently grounded for inspection.

The incident drew online attention as video circulated showing sparks from the engine area. Aviation experts say such events test a crew's ability to balance the urge to complete a flight with the need to maintain a safe margin in severe weather. Investigators will review the approach procedures and the aircraft condition, though no final assessment has been released yet by the airline or authorities.

The footage underscores how quickly weather can destabilize an otherwise routine landing. It also spotlights the pressure crews face to maintain schedules in poor conditions. In a warming climate, more frequent severe weather may widen the gap between efficiency and safety, pushing operators to refine go around thresholds and wind limits.

This event could prompt airlines to reexamine training for high wind landings and to tighten decision points during storms. It may also renew questions about how weather data is shared with crews and how confidently maintenance and flight operations teams coordinate after near misses.

Highlights

Weather will continue to test flight crews, and safety standards must stay ahead of the next storm.