Update 2 / Air ACT Cargo Plane Veers Off Runway in Hong Kong
According to newly released information, the aircraft struck a ground service vehicle during landing before veering off the runway and plunging into the sea. There is still no clear explanation as to why the ground vehicle was on the runway of an arriving aircraft or how exactly the incident occurred.
What Happened?
A Boeing 747-400 cargo plane, registered as TC-ACF and operated by Turkish company Air ACT on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo, veered off the runway and fell into the sea after landing at Hong Kong International Airport. Reports indicate that all four crew members were rescued.
The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed, but initial findings suggest that the aircraft veered off the runway after colliding with a ground service vehicle during landing. This scenario has been reported by international news agencies as the “most likely” cause. In the early moments following the incident, some sources claimed that the aircraft may have skidded on the runway before hitting the ground vehicle (our initial reports reflected this version).
There are conflicting reports regarding the condition of the two ground personnel involved; one is said to have died, while the other was taken to hospital. Following the incident, the affected runway was closed to traffic, and the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department and the Accident Investigation Board launched a formal investigation.
