An unusual incident was recorded at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan involving a China Airlines Airbus A350-900 (registration B-18915) during preparations for a flight to Los Angeles.
While the aircraft was being towed, a foreign object was sucked into the left engine, becoming lodged between the fan blades — a moment that was caught on video and quickly went viral.
Crew reacts quickly and flight is delayed
In the video, the object can be seen tangled between the engine blades, raising immediate concerns about potential damage. The crew acted promptly: they shut down the engine and halted departure preparations. Maintenance technicians were called in immediately to carry out a detailed inspection of the A350.
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After the technical assessment, specialists concluded that there was no structural damage to the engine and cleared the aircraft to continue its journey. The flight departed with an approximate two-hour delay.
Origin of the object still unknown
The nature and origin of the object that entered the engine have not yet been officially determined. The Taoyuan Airport administration has launched an investigation to clarify how the material ended up so close to the aircraft during the towing procedure — a stage that requires strict safety protocols.
The video sparked discussions on social media and among experts about the risks of FOD (Foreign Object Debris), one of the main hazards for aircraft engines on the ground. Even small objects can cause significant damage, demanding extra attention during ramp operations.
The case remains under investigation, while the affected flight has already reached its destination without further incidents.
Source and images: AviaNews | Telegram @AviaCT | X @AirProNews. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
