An initial investigation into last month’s fatal cargo plane crash at Hong Kong International Airport has found that one of the aircraft’s engines unexpectedly accelerated after landing, causing the plane to veer off the runway and crash into a security vehicle.
According to the preliminary report released by Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) on Tuesday, the flight—from Dubai and operated by ACT Airlines on behalf of Emirates—proceeded normally until shortly after touchdown.
The Boeing 747 cargo aircraft had been dispatched with a non-operational thrust reverser on Engine 4, in line with aviation regulations. Thrust reversers are used to slow down an aircraft by redirecting engine thrust forward after landing.
Once the aircraft, piloted by the first officer, landed, its automatic braking disengaged and the captain assumed control. Investigators noted that Engine 4, located on the far right, then accelerated rapidly—reaching approximately 90% thrust before surging to 106–107% over a 12-second period.
As the plane veered left off the runway, thrust reversers were activated on the remaining three engines. The aircraft collided with a security vehicle, pushing it into the sea and killing the two airport workers inside. The crash marked Hong Kong’s deadliest airport incident in over 25 years.
All four crew members on board survived, but the aircraft was destroyed in the crash, with its tail section separating on impact.
Steven Dominique Cheung, chairman of the Hong Kong Professional Airline Pilots Association, said such engine acceleration after landing is extremely rare.
With the right-side engine at maximum thrust while the others attempted to slow the aircraft, “there is no way you can maintain control,” he explained.
Boeing directed inquiries to the AAIA, while Emirates and ACT Airlines have yet to comment.
AAIA said further investigation is ongoing, including analysis of aircraft systems, engineering history, maintenance records, and crew qualifications. The final report is expected within a year, adhering to international standards.
