Cargo Plane Crash at Hong Kong Airport Kills Two Security Staff

Wreckage Recovered in Hong Kong After Fatal Cargo Plane Crash

In the aftermath of a tragic incident at Hong Kong International Airport, recovery teams have successfully salvaged the main wreckage of a Cargo-Aircraft that crashed into the sea. The event, which resulted in the deaths of two ground personnel, has initiated a comprehensive international investigation. The recovery of the aircraft’s fuselage is a critical milestone, providing investigators with the physical evidence needed to piece together the final moments of the flight and determine the cause of the Accident.

The crash is a somber mark on the otherwise strong safety record of Hong Kong International Airport, one of the world’s busiest transport hubs. It represents only the second fatal incident since the airport commenced operations in 1998. As authorities from multiple nations collaborate, the air cargo industry watches closely, with particular attention on the nature of wet-lease agreements and operational safety protocols under challenging conditions. The focus now shifts from recovery to a meticulous analysis of the retrieved components, including the flight recorders, which hold key data about the aircraft’s performance and the crew’s actions.

The Incident: A Timeline of Events

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, October 20, 2025. At approximately 3:50 AM local time, a Boeing 747-400 freighter, operating as Emirates flight EK9788 from Dubai, was landing at Hong Kong International Airport. During the landing sequence, the aircraft veered off the runway, skidded through a perimeter fence, and ultimately plunged into the surrounding sea. The impact was catastrophic, as the plane collided with a patrol car occupied by two airport security personnel.

While the four crew members aboard the aircraft survived the crash and were subsequently hospitalized, the two individuals in the patrol car were fatally injured. The deceased were identified as a 41-year-old security officer, Mr. Ho, and a 30-year-old security supervisor, Mr. Chan. Both were employees of the Aviation Security Company Limited and were reported to be the primary breadwinners for their families, leaving behind grieving spouses and young children.

The aircraft involved was a 32-year-old Boeing Converted Freighter operated by ACT Airlines, a Turkish cargo carrier. The flight was conducted under a wet-lease agreement for Emirates SkyCargo. This type of arrangement means that the lessor, ACT Airlines, provides the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) to the lessee, Emirates. At the time of the incident, the flight was not carrying any cargo. Airports officials later confirmed that weather and runway conditions met the required standards for landing.

Steven Yiu, the airport authority’s executive director for airport operations, stated that weather and runway conditions met standards at the time of the crash. He also noted that the plane is not supposed to turn towards the sea.

Recovery and Investigation

The salvage operation began almost immediately, with the north runway of the airport being temporarily closed. A significant breakthrough occurred on Friday, October 24, 2025, when teams recovered the aircraft’s tail section along with the crucial flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR). These “black boxes” are vital for any air accident investigation, as they contain detailed information about the flight’s parameters and audio from the cockpit.

The operation culminated on Sunday, October 26, 2025, with the recovery of the main fuselage from the water. This complex and challenging task marks a pivotal point in the investigation, allowing experts to conduct a thorough physical examination of the aircraft’s structure and systems. The Hong Kong Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) is leading the inquiry, with support from international bodies. Representatives from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Turkey’s Transport Safety Investigation Center, and the aircraft Manufacturers, Boeing, are all assisting in the process.

With the wreckage and flight recorders secured, the investigation now enters a new phase of detailed analysis. The data from the recorders is undergoing preliminary examination, and a preliminary report from the AAIA is expected within a month. The findings will be scrutinized by the aviation industry to understand the contributing factors and implement any necessary changes to prevent a recurrence. The incident also brings wet-leasing practices under review, as the investigation will likely delve into the operational and oversight responsibilities shared between the aircraft operator and the lessee.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

The successful recovery of the Boeing 747 wreckage from the waters off Hong Kong International Airport closes a difficult chapter of search and salvage, but opens a critical one of investigation and analysis. The human cost of this tragedy, with the loss of two dedicated ground staff, underscores the imperative for a thorough and transparent inquiry. The collaborative effort between authorities from Hong Kong, the United States, and Turkey highlights the global nature of aviation safety and the shared commitment to understanding the causes of such incidents.

As investigators analyze the flight recorders and examine the physical evidence, the aviation community awaits the findings that will emerge. The preliminary report will provide the first official insights into the sequence of events that led to the crash. Beyond determining the cause, the outcome of this investigation will have broader implications, potentially influencing safety protocols, runway management, and the regulatory framework surrounding wet-lease operations in the global air cargo sector. The ultimate goal is to learn from this tragic event to enhance the safety of air travel for everyone.

FAQ

Question: What happened at Hong Kong International Airport?
Answer: On October 20, 2025, a Boeing 747 cargo plane operated by ACT Airlines veered off the runway upon landing, crashing into the sea and hitting a patrol car. The two occupants of the car, both airport security staff, were killed.

Question: Who was operating the aircraft?
Answer: The aircraft was operated by ACT Airlines, a Turkish cargo carrier. It was flying on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo under a wet-lease agreement, where ACT Airlines provided the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance.

Question: What is the current status of the investigation?
Answer: The main wreckage, flight data recorder, and cockpit voice recorder have all been recovered. The Hong Kong Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) is leading the investigation with international assistance, and a preliminary report is expected within a month.

Sources

• sfgate.com