Hong Kong Cargo Plane Crash: Engine Surge Leads to Deadly Runway Incident
Hong Kong Cargo Plane Crash: Engine Surge Leads to Deadly Runway Incident
A preliminary investigation into the deadly cargo plane crash at Hong Kong International Airport has revealed critical details about engine malfunction that led to two fatalities. The incident, involving an Emirates Boeing 747-400 freighter, has raised serious questions about aviation safety protocols and mechanical failures during landing procedures.
What Happened During the Hong Kong Airport Crash?
On October 20, 2025, Emirates SkyCargo Flight 9788, operated by Turkish charter carrier ACT Airlines, experienced a catastrophic runway excursion shortly after landing at Hong Kong International Airport. The Boeing 747-400 freighter, arriving from Dubai at approximately 3:53 AM local time, skidded off the northern runway and collided with a security patrol vehicle before both ended up in the sea.
The crash resulted in the deaths of two airport security workers who were inside the patrol car at the time of impact. Remarkably, all four crew members aboard the aircraft survived without serious injuries, though the plane was completely destroyed with its tail section separating upon impact.
Investigation Findings: The Critical Engine Malfunction
The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) released a preliminary report on November 18, 2025, revealing disturbing details about what transpired in those crucial seconds after touchdown. According to the investigation, the aircraft's Number 4 engine—located on the far right side—experienced an abnormal acceleration after the plane had already landed.
Technical Details of the Engine Surge
The investigation uncovered that while engines 1, 2, and 3 had their thrust levers properly closed with reverse thrust engaged to slow the aircraft, the Number 4 engine's thrust lever was found in the full forward thrust position. This engine accelerated to 90% thrust and then surged to between 106% and 107% over a critical 12-second period.
Steven Dominique Cheung, chairman of the Hong Kong Professional Airline Pilots Association, described the situation as highly unusual, stating that with one engine at full power while others attempt to slow the aircraft, "there is no way you can maintain control."
Pre-existing Mechanical Issues
Investigators noted that the aircraft had been dispatched with the thrust reverser on engine 4 already inoperative—a condition that is permissible under aviation regulations. However, this pre-existing issue may have contributed to the catastrophic sequence of events that followed.
The Human Cost and Impact on Hong Kong Aviation
This tragedy marks the deadliest airport incident at Hong Kong International Airport in over 25 years. The two victims were airport security personnel conducting routine patrol duties when the runaway aircraft struck their vehicle, pushing it into the sea. The Hong Kong aviation community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of these dedicated workers.
What Happens Next: The Full Investigation
The preliminary report represents only the initial phase of evidence collection and does not identify a definitive cause for the accident. The Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau has announced that the comprehensive investigation will focus on several critical areas:
- Aircraft Systems Analysis: Detailed examination of why the Number 4 engine thrust lever was in the forward position
- Mechanical Performance: Comprehensive assessment of engine conditions and potential mechanical failures
- Maintenance Records: Review of the aircraft's service history and recent maintenance activities
- Human Factors: Evaluation of crew actions, training, and decision-making during the incident
- Loss of Control Scenarios: Investigation into whether system malfunctions prevented proper engine control
International Collaboration
The investigation benefits from international expertise, with representatives from Turkey's Transport Safety Investigation Center and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board participating alongside Boeing technical experts. This collaborative approach ensures thorough analysis from multiple perspectives.
Aviation Safety Implications
While the investigation continues, aviation experts emphasize that engine acceleration after landing is extraordinarily rare. The incident has prompted renewed attention to:
- Engine thrust control system redundancies
- Procedures for aircraft dispatched with inoperative components
- Pilot training for asymmetric thrust emergencies during landing
- Airport ground vehicle positioning protocols during aircraft operations
Timeline and Recovery Efforts
The Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau has confirmed that investigators aim to complete the comprehensive final report within one year, aligning with international aviation investigation standards. The wreckage recovery and detailed forensic examination of the aircraft's systems are ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Hong Kong cargo plane crash?
Preliminary findings indicate that the Number 4 engine accelerated unexpectedly after landing, reaching 106-107% thrust while other engines were in reverse, causing loss of directional control. The full cause is still under investigation.
Were there any survivors in the crash?
All four crew members aboard the Boeing 747 survived without serious injuries. Tragically, two airport security workers in the vehicle struck by the aircraft were killed.
Was the aircraft experiencing problems before landing?
The flight was normal according to investigators, though the aircraft had been dispatched with an inoperative thrust reverser on engine 4, which is permissible under aviation regulations.
How long will the investigation take?
Hong Kong authorities plan to complete the comprehensive final report within one year, following international aviation investigation standards.
Is Hong Kong International Airport still safe?
Yes, Hong Kong International Airport continues to operate with stringent safety standards. This incident represents an isolated mechanical failure under investigation, not a systemic safety issue.
Conclusion
The Hong Kong cargo plane crash of October 2025 serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of aviation safety systems and the devastating consequences when mechanical failures occur. As investigators continue their detailed analysis, the aviation industry worldwide will be watching closely for findings that could enhance safety protocols and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The loss of two dedicated airport workers underscores the human cost of such incidents, extending sympathy to their families while the aviation community works to understand exactly what went wrong and how to prevent it from happening again.
