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China Eastern A350-900 reports “total” brake failure before Shanghai airbridge collision; investigators cite reverse-thrust mane

Investigators say a China Eastern Airbus A350-900 (B-324W) experienced complete braking loss while taxiing at Shanghai before colliding with a passenger airbridge. The crew reportedly used reverse thrust to manoeuvre. Preliminary investigation results were based on notifications from Chinese authorities.

Discovered 2026-05-21T23:40:18.039971-07:00 | 2026-05-21T23:40:18.039971-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

A reported “total” brake loss during taxiing is a critical safety failure mode, directly informing risk controls for ground operations and airbridge vicinity procedures.
The incident’s preliminary findings rely on regulator notifications, underscoring how quickly operators need to translate early data into inspections and maintenance priorities for braking systems (in the same China Eastern Shanghai operational context as the earlier jet-bridge-related A350 event: China Eastern A350 suffers post-landing mechanical issue, partially hits Shanghai Hongqiao jet bridge while taxiing).
The use of reverse thrust as an avoidance/handling measure highlights potential implications for standard taxi performance assumptions, crew training, and OEM/authority guidance on abnormal braking scenarios.

Reported By

Aviation Week haber.aero FlightGlobal bea.aero