"THE AIRCRASH OF EMIRATES SKYCARGO FLIGHT 9788 AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT"

 

The accident involving Emirates SkyCargo Flight 9788 occurred on October 20, 2025, at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). It was a significant aviation event, marking the first fatal incident at the airport since 1999.

The Incident

Flight: Emirates SkyCargo Flight 9788 (operated by Turkish carrier ACT Airlines under a wet-lease).

Aircraft: Boeing 747-400BDSF (Registration: TC-ACF).

Route: Al Maktoum International (DWC), Dubai to Hong Kong (HKG).

The Event: At approximately 3:52 AM local time, the aircraft landed on Runway 07L. During the landing roll, the aircraft veered sharply to the left, crashed through the airport perimeter fence, struck a security patrol vehicle, and plunged into the South China Sea.

Victims and Casualties

Tragically, while the aircraft crew survived, the accident claimed the lives of two airport employees on the ground:

Ground Victims: Two security officers, aged 30 and 41, who were in a patrol vehicle outside the runway fence. One was pronounced dead at the scene, and the second died later at North Lantau Hospital.

Flight Crew: All four crew members (Captain, First Officer, Loadmaster, and Maintenance Engineer) survived and were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigation and Findings

The Hong Kong Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) released a preliminary report in November 2025, detailing a complex series of mechanical and human factors.

1. Engine Malfunction: The aircraft was flying with a known inoperative thrust reverser on Engine No. 4 (allowable under the Minimum Equipment List).

2. Unintended Acceleration: After touchdown, while the other three engines were in reverse thrust, Engine No. 4 suddenly spooled up to 106% forward thrust. This created a massive "asymmetric thrust" condition, physically forcing the plane to pivot and veer off the runway.

3. Autobrake Alert: Seconds after landing, an "AUTOBRAKES" caution message appeared. The Captain took control from the First Officer just as the aircraft began its uncontrollable swerve.

4. No Distress Call: Air traffic control recordings show the crew had normal communications until the moment of the crash; no emergency was declared prior to the excursion.

Aftermath

Airport Impact: The North Runway (07L) was closed for several hours, causing delays to dozens of flights and the cancellation of over 10 cargo flights.

Aircraft Status: The 32-year-old Boeing 747 was a total loss. The fuselage split in two, with the tail section sinking into the sea while the nose remained partially on the shoreline.

Wet-Lease Scrutiny: The incident sparked a global discussion on "wet leasing" (where one airline provides the plane and crew for another), leading to calls for stricter oversight of maintenance standards for leased cargo fleets.

Current Status (As of 2026)

Ongoing Probe: The AAIA investigation is currently in its final phase, focusing on why Engine No. 4 accelerated and whether the autothrottle system was improperly engaged or failed.

Legal Action: Authorities have not ruled out criminal negligence charges pending the final report.

Safety Upgrades: Hong Kong Airport has reviewed its patrol routes for ground vehicles to ensure greater separation from the runway perimeter in the event of a future excursion.

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