Cargo Plane Skids Off Runway at Hong Kong International Airport, Killing Two Security Officers
Hong Kong, Oct 20 (Reuters) — In the early, rain-soaked hours before dawn, Hong Kong International Airport—typically a bastion of precision and order—was shaken by a devastating accident.
A cargo plane arriving from Dubai veered abruptly off the runway during what should have been a routine landing. In a terrifying sequence of events, the Boeing 747 skidded through barriers, collided with a security patrol vehicle, and plunged into the sea, tragically killing two airport security officers.
The massive freighter, operated by Turkey’s ACT Airlines on behalf of Emirates, was landing on the northern runway around 3:50 a.m. local time (1950 GMT Sunday) when it suddenly swerved left after touchdown. The aircraft broke through a perimeter barrier and struck a security patrol car manned by two officers conducting routine rounds outside the runway fence. The vehicle was propelled into the adjacent waters.
Steven Yiu, executive director of airport operations, confirmed that both officers were pulled from the water unconscious. One was pronounced dead on the scene; the other later died in hospital. Both had served the airport for many years—one for seven, the other for twelve.
Miraculously, all four crew members aboard Emirates flight EK9788 escaped without serious injuries. The aircraft, a 32-year-old Boeing 747 originally built for passenger service before conversion to cargo, now lies partially submerged near the sea wall, its fuselage split and emergency slides still deployed.
Investigation Underway
Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) has launched a comprehensive inquiry into the cause of the crash. Officials are examining weather conditions, runway state, aircraft systems, and the actions of the flight crew.
Man Ka-chai, the city’s chief accident investigator, confirmed that the plane had been cleared to land on Runway 07L—the northern runway where the incident took place. Pilots did not issue any distress calls or report technical problems prior to landing, according to air traffic control recordings obtained by Reuters.
An air traffic controller’s voice, captured just after touchdown, reflected the shock of the moment: “An incident happened at the airfield just now.”
Yiu emphasized that the security patrol vehicle was operating in its designated zone outside the runway fence, underscoring the unusual nature of the plane’s sudden departure from its normal landing path.
Airport Operations and Reactions
Despite the tragedy, operations at Hong Kong International Airport have continued with minimal disruption. The northern runway remains closed for safety inspections, while the central and southern runways are fully operational. Flight schedules have reportedly not been affected.
Emirates released a statement expressing condolences to the families of the victims and confirming full cooperation with the investigation. The airline noted no cargo was on board at the time of landing.
ACT Airlines also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the two ground staff and assured that the safety and well-being of its crew members remained a top priority.
Boeing has yet to issue a public comment.
A Tragic Milestone
This accident marks the deadliest airport tragedy in Hong Kong in over 25 years. The last major disaster occurred in 1999, when a China Airlines passenger plane crashed during landing, killing three people.
Airport authorities have promised comprehensive support for the families affected, including counseling and financial assistance.
Conclusion
The runway accident at Hong Kong International Airport is a stark reminder of the fragile balance between routine and catastrophe in aviation. While investigations continue to uncover why the Boeing 747 deviated so sharply from its landing path, the heartbreaking loss of two committed security officers casts a long shadow.
Hong Kong’s emergency response teams acted swiftly and effectively, and the survival of the crew underscores the preparedness ingrained in one of the world’s busiest airports. Still, the emotional toll lingers.
As authorities analyze flight data, weather reports, and cockpit communications, their findings will be crucial—not only to understand this tragedy but to prevent future incidents. The lives lost in service to airport safety serve as a sobering testament to the risks faced behind the scenes, even in the most controlled environments.