A tragedy struck Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) in the early hours of Monday, October 20, 2025. A Boeing 747 cargo plane skidded off the runway during its landing. It then collided with a ground vehicle before crashing partially into the surrounding sea.
This terrible incident resulted in the deaths of two airport employees who were in the ground vehicle. Rescuers safely saved the four crew members aboard the aircraft.
The event has shut down one of the airport’s three runways. It has also launched a major investigation to find out what went wrong. This article explains what we know so far about the Hong Kong cargo plane crash.
What Happened During the Crash?
The incident happened at approximately 3:50 AM local time. The flight was Emirates SkyCargo flight EK9788, which was arriving from Dubai.
As the large Boeing 747 aircraft was landing on the north runway (07R), it failed to stop properly. According to reports and flight tracking data, the plane veered sharply to the left. It skidded off the runway, crashed through an airport perimeter fence, and struck a ground patrol vehicle.
The force of the impact was devastating. The collision propelled both the aircraft and the vehicle into the sea adjacent to the runway.The cargo plane came to rest partially submerged in the water, with its cockpit and front section visible above the waves. Water fully submerged the ground vehicle.
Rescue operations began immediately. Firefighters and marine police rushed to the scene. Rescuers found the four crew members of the aircraft, who managed to escape and were reported safe.
However, the search for the two occupants of the ground vehicle was more difficult. Authorities deployed divers into the water. The divers located the two men, but tragically, they could not save them. Medical personnel pronounced one man dead at the scene, and they rushed the other to North Lantau Hospital, where doctors later pronounced him dead.
The Victims and Survivors
The two men who lost their lives were airport employees. They were in a security patrol vehicle, performing their regular duties, when the plane left the runway and hit them. Airport officials have stressed that the patrol vehicle was outside the runway fence and was not on the runway itself.
This accident has sent a shockwave through the airport community. The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) deeply regretted the loss and expressed its condolences to the families of the two staff members who died.
In contrast, the four crew members on the cargo plane were fortunate to survive the crash. Rescuers took them to the hospital for medical checks and reported that they were safe and receiving care.
Details About the Aircraft and Flight
It is important to understand the details of the flight, as they are a key part of the investigation.
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 747-400 freighter. This type of plane is a well-known workhorse in the cargo industry, capable of carrying heavy loads over long distances.
Although Emirates operated the flight as an Emirates SkyCargo service, a Turkish company called ACT Airlines (also known as MyCargo Airlines) owned and operated the aircraft. The plane was flying for Emirates under a “wet lease” agreement.
What is a “Wet Lease”?
A wet lease is a common practice in the aviation industry. In simple terms, it means one airline (Emirates, in this case) rents an aircraft from another company (ACT Airlines).
This rental agreement is comprehensive. ACT Airlines provided not only the physical aircraft but also the flight crew (the pilots), maintenance for the plane, and the necessary insurance. This differs from a “dry lease,” in which the lessee rents only the aircraft.
Emirates confirmed these details in a statement. They also noted that the aircraft was not carrying any cargo at the time of the incident.
The Airport’s Response and Investigation
The Hong Kong International Airport is one of the busiest cargo hubs in the world. The accident forced an immediate response.
Runway Closure and Flight Impact
The north runway was closed indefinitely following the crash. This is necessary for two main reasons:
- To preserve evidence: Investigators must examine the runway and the crash site.
- To remove the wreckage: Safely removing a large, partially submerged Boeing 747 is a complex and delicate operation.
Luckily, HKIA operates with three runways. The airport authorities quickly diverted all air traffic to the center and south runways. This action prevented a total shutdown of the airport. While some minor delays were reported for a few flights, passenger and other cargo operations were able to continue.
The Official Investigation
Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) is leading the investigation. Their goal is to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Investigators will look at many factors, including:
- The Aircraft: They will check for any mechanical failures or problems with the plane’s systems.
- Human Factors: The actions of the flight crew during the landing will be closely reviewed.
- Weather: Airport officials stated that weather conditions were suitable for landing at the time. However, this will be double-checked.
- Runway Conditions: The state of the runway itself will be inspected.
A top priority for investigators is to retrieve the aircraft’s “black boxes.” These are the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR). The CVR records all conversations in the cockpit, while the FDR tracks hundreds of parameters about the plane’s performance, such as speed, altitude, and control inputs. These two devices will provide the best evidence of what happened in the final moments of the flight.
What Happens Next?
The investigation into the Hong Kong Cargo Plane Crash is just beginning. It will likely take many months to produce a final report.
In the short term, the main focus will be on two things. First, supporting the families of the two victims who so tragically lost their lives. Second, the complex task of removing the aircraft wreckage from the sea. This will allow the airport to repair the runway and its fencing.
This crash is a sober reminder of the risks involved in aviation, even at the world’s most advanced airports. The findings of the investigation will be critical in providing answers to the victims’ families and helping to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs):
1. What happened at the Hong Kong airport?
A Boeing 747 cargo plane skidded off the runway while landing on October 20, 2025. It hit a ground patrol vehicle and then crashed partially into the sea.
2. Was anyone hurt in the crash?
Yes. Two airport employees in the ground vehicle were killed. The four crew members on the cargo plane were safe.
3. Which airline was operating the plane?
The flight was an Emirates SkyCargo flight (EK9788). However, the aircraft and crew were being operated by a Turkish company, ACT Airlines, on behalf of Emirates.
4. Is the Hong Kong airport closed?
No, the airport remains open. Only the north runway, where the accident occurred, is closed. The airport’s other two runways are handling all flights.
5. What caused the crash?
The exact cause is not yet known. Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority is investigating the incident to determine what went wrong.
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