China Airlines was ordered by the Taiwanese government to ground temporarily its 11 remaining 737-800s for safety checks following the post-landing fire and explosion that destroyed a 737-800 at Naha Airport in Okinawa on August 20.

A joint Japanese, Taiwanese and US investigation into the incident commenced on August 21. Initial examination of the wreckage by Japanese authorities yielded no immediate explanation. Japan's Aircraft and Railways Accidents Investigation Commission said a "possible fuel leak" was being investigated. A fire started in the right-wing engine 3 min. after the aircraft parked. All 157 passengers and eight crew escaped. The two pilots were the last off, jumping through a cockpit window moments before the explosion, according to the airline.

Taiwan's Civil Aeronautics Administration told CI to ground its 737-800 fleet and two of the type operated by subsidiary Mandarin Airlines. Japan's Transport Ministry said it ordered Japan Airlines, ANA and Skymark Airlines to conduct checks on 23 CFM56-powered 737-800s and no anomalies were found.

CI CEO Chao Kuo-shuai traveled to Okinawa following the incident and gave each passenger an envelope containing US$100. "I feel ashamed for causing so much trouble," he said. The airline conceded it may have to provide further compensation for destroyed luggage.

US FAA, NTSB, Boeing and officials from both Japan and Taiwan are collaborating in the investigation.