Hong Kong Cargo Plane Crash Kills Two Ground Staff After Skidding Off Runway Into Sea
A tragic aviation accident at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday morning has left two ground staff dead after a cargo plane skidded off the runway and plunged into the sea. The Emirates flight EK9788, operated by Turkish carrier ACT Airlines, had been arriving from Dubai when it veered off course during landing at approximately 3:50 a.m. local time (19:50 GMT).
The Boeing 747-481 freighter, carrying no cargo, crashed through a perimeter fence before colliding with an airport patrol vehicle, killing both occupants instantly. All four crew members onboard survived the impact, though the aircraft suffered catastrophic structural damage.
Authorities described the incident as one of Hong Kong’s deadliest aviation accidents in years, shaking confidence in a city long known for its strong safety record and world-class airport infrastructure.
Crash Sequence and Early Findings
According to initial reports, the cargo plane appeared to have landed normally before unexpectedly turning off the runway and heading toward the sea-facing perimeter. Steven Yiu, Executive Director of Airport Operations, said at a press briefing that the patrol vehicle was on a service road outside the runway’s fencing when the plane suddenly veered off its assigned path.
“The vehicle was traveling at a safe distance from the runway,” Yiu clarified. “It did not enter the runway area. The aircraft broke through the fence and collided with the vehicle, pushing it into the sea.”
He emphasized that the plane’s turn toward the water was highly irregular, adding: “Normally, an aircraft would continue straight ahead after touchdown — it is not supposed to turn toward the sea.”
The aircraft did not send any distress signal prior to impact, Yiu confirmed. Within minutes, divers recovered the bodies of the two deceased ground staff, aged 30 and 41, from the waters near the wreckage.
Crew Members Rescued, Aircraft Severely Damaged
The four crew members aboard the Boeing 747 managed to survive the crash thanks to swift emergency response efforts. After the impact, the pilots deployed the emergency evacuation slides and exited the aircraft through the doors.
Fire and rescue personnel reached the scene within two minutes and quickly pulled the crew to safety. They were treated for minor injuries and shock but are reported to be in stable condition.
Photos and videos shared online show the cargo plane split in two, with the rear half of the fuselage partially submerged in the sea. Cracks and ruptures were clearly visible along the aircraft’s body, while debris floated nearby. The runway area was cordoned off immediately after the crash.
An Emirates spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft “sustained damage on landing in Hong Kong” but stressed that “crew are confirmed to be safe and there was no cargo onboard.” The company added that the plane had been wet leased from ACT Airlines, a Turkish operator providing the aircraft, crew, and insurance under contract.
Victims Identified as Experienced Airport Staff
The two ground staff killed in the crash were seasoned employees of Hong Kong International Airport, with seven and twelve years of experience respectively. Their names have not been released publicly, pending family notification.
In a statement, Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Bureau said it was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life” and offered condolences to the victims’ families. Flags at airport facilities were lowered to half-mast in their memory.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the two employees who lost their lives while on duty,” the bureau’s statement read. “Their dedication to aviation safety will not be forgotten.”
Investigators Search for Black Boxes
The Hong Kong Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) has launched a full-scale inquiry into the cause of the crash. Divers are currently working to retrieve the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, commonly known as the black boxes, from the seabed near the wreckage.
An AAIA spokesperson said investigators will focus on several key questions — including whether pilot error, equipment malfunction, or poor visibility played a role in the aircraft’s deviation from its landing path.
“We are analyzing air traffic control communication, radar tracking, and weather data from the time of the incident,” the official explained. “Once the black boxes are recovered, they will provide critical insight into what happened in the cockpit during the final moments of landing.”
Airport Operations Disrupted
The runway where the crash occurred remains closed for the rest of the day as recovery teams and investigators continue their work. However, Hong Kong International Airport’s other two runways remain operational, allowing limited passenger and cargo flights to continue.
According to the Airport Authority, at least 11 incoming cargo flights scheduled for Monday were canceled, while others faced significant delays. Airport authorities said they were “working closely with airlines to minimize disruptions and ensure passenger safety.”
Despite the temporary closure, officials reassured the public that airport operations remain safe and stable.
Strong Safety Record Shaken
Hong Kong International Airport, located on Chek Lap Kok Island, is widely regarded as one of the safest and most efficient airports in the world. Since its opening in July 1998, the airport has handled millions of flights without major safety incidents.
Monday’s crash marks only the second fatal aviation accident at the airport since its relocation from the old Kai Tak Airport in Kowloon. The previous incident occurred in August 1999, when a China Airlines passenger jet crash-landed during a typhoon, killing three people.
The rare nature of this week’s accident has sparked public concern and renewed scrutiny over runway safety procedures, especially regarding coordination between aircraft movements and ground operations.
Possible Causes Under Review
Aviation experts suggest that multiple factors could have contributed to the crash, including pilot misjudgment, mechanical failure, or sudden weather changes during landing.
“Cargo aircraft often land at off-peak hours when visibility may be poor and weather conditions unpredictable,” said Peter Lam, a Hong Kong-based aviation safety consultant. “If the plane veered unexpectedly, it could indicate a problem with the flight control systems or confusion in navigation signals.”
Others have raised questions about whether runway lighting or ground guidance systems malfunctioned at the time, although airport officials have stated that “all navigation and safety systems were functioning normally.”
Hong Kong police have not ruled out criminal investigations, pending the results of the technical analysis.
International Reactions and Industry Response
The tragic crash has drawn sympathy from across the global aviation community. Emirates and ACT Airlines both released statements expressing their condolences to the victims’ families and pledging full cooperation with local authorities.
A statement from Emirates Airlines read:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of two dedicated airport employees in this tragic incident. Safety remains our top priority, and we are working with investigators to determine the cause of the accident.”
ACT Airlines also confirmed that it had dispatched a technical and safety team from Turkey to assist with the investigation and recovery efforts in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, air freight operators across Asia have temporarily rerouted shipments through nearby hubs in Guangzhou and Taipei, citing limited cargo handling capacity in Hong Kong while the runway remains closed.
A Somber Moment for Hong Kong Aviation
As emergency crews continue to clear debris from the crash site, Hong Kong’s aviation community is mourning the two ground staff who lost their lives in service.
For a city that prides itself on precision, efficiency, and safety, the Emirates cargo plane disaster is a sobering reminder that even the world’s most advanced airports are not immune to tragedy.
The investigation’s findings — expected to take several months — will likely influence future safety protocols at Hong Kong International Airport and could lead to new regional standards for nighttime cargo landings and ground vehicle coordination.
For now, the city grieves, its skyline dimmed by loss, even as it vows to learn from the tragedy and ensure that such an accident never happens again.