A preliminary investigation into last month’s deadly cargo plane crash at Hong Kong International Airport has revealed that one of the aircraft’s engines unexpectedly accelerated after landing, leading to the runway overrun that killed two airport workers.
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According to an initial report released by Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA), the Boeing 747 freighter — operated by Turkey’s ACT Airlines on behalf of Emirates — experienced no irregularities during its flight from Dubai until shortly after touchdown.
The aircraft had been dispatched with a non-functioning thrust reverser on engine 4, a condition permitted under aviation regulations. Thrust reversers help slow aircraft after landing by redirecting engine power forward.
Investigators said the first officer was flying the aircraft when it landed, after which the autobrake system disengaged and the captain assumed control. Moments later, engine 4 — the outboard engine on the right wing — unexpectedly accelerated to 90% thrust before surging to 106–107% within 12 seconds.
As the aircraft veered left, thrust reversers were deployed on the remaining three engines. The plane then struck a security vehicle, pushing it into the sea and killing the two workers inside — marking Hong Kong’s deadliest airport incident in more than 25 years.
All four crew members survived, but the freighter was destroyed, with its tail section tearing off during impact.
Aviation expert Steven Dominique Cheung, chairman of the Hong Kong Professional Airline Pilots Association, called the post-landing acceleration “highly unusual,” noting that with one engine at full power and others attempting to slow the aircraft, “there is no way you can maintain control.”
Boeing declined to comment and referred inquiries to the AAIA. Emirates and ACT Airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The final cause of the crash will be determined following a full investigation. The AAIA said it is continuing to gather data related to the aircraft’s systems, maintenance history, engineering issues, and crew qualifications.
Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Bureau stated it aims to publish the final report within a year, in accordance with international aviation standards.
