Boeing 747 skids off tarmac during nighttime landing
Two ground workers were killed early Monday when a Boeing 747 cargo aircraft careened off the runway and plunged into the sea at Hong Kong International Airport. The freighter, flown by ACT Airlines for Emirates SkyCargo, had just arrived from Dubai when it lost control while touching down on the north runway around 3:50 a.m. local time. The plane tore through a perimeter fence, collided with a patrol vehicle, and came to rest nose-first in the water. All four crew members were rescued with minor injuries and taken to a local hospital.
Investigators recover flight data recorders for analysis
Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority has begun examining the cause of the crash. Both black boxes have been retrieved from the wreckage, and early findings suggest that weather was not a factor, as conditions were calm and visibility was clear. Investigators are focusing on possible technical malfunctions involving the aircraft’s braking or steering systems. The damaged runway remains closed while recovery crews clear debris and assess structural integrity.
Airport continues operations amid safety review
Despite the closure of the north runway, flight operations at the airport have largely proceeded as normal, with arrivals and departures redirected to other runways. The Civil Aviation Department expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged a comprehensive review of airfield safety. The incident, among the most serious at the airport in recent years, has reignited concerns about risks faced by ground personnel working near active runways.
