The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) is conducting an in-depth investigation into an accident involving a B744 cargo aircraft (flight number UAE9788), arriving from Al Maktoum International Airport, United Arab Emirates, which deviated from the North Runway of Hong Kong International Airport after landing and ditched into the sea on October 20, in order to determine the circumstances and causes of the accident.

     After detailed planning and coordination, the professional team commissioned by the Airport Authority Hong Kong is carrying out the salvage operation to remove the cargo aircraft involved in the incident, in order to enable the AAIA to conduct further inspections and an in-depth investigation.

     To expedite the collection of data required for the investigation, the AAIA successfully retrieved the Flight Data Recorder and the Cockpit Voice Recorder, commonly known as the "black boxes", from the aircraft wreckage late last night (October 24). There is water ingress into the two "black boxes". The AAIA has promptly sent the devices to the laboratory for preliminary examination to determine the next course of action.

     Experts will conduct in-depth analysis of the collected data, including reconstructing the sequence of events through the data from the "black boxes", interviews with relevant personnel, laboratory findings, examination of the aircraft wreckage, aircraft operating procedures, aircraft system status and maintenance records, weather conditions, and other relevant factors, to prepare a report.

     Pursuant to Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the investigation into this accident is being led by the AAIA, which is also responsible for the dissemination of information. Notifications have been issued to the State of Registry, the State of the Operator, the State of Design and the State of Manufacture of the aircraft in accordance with Annex 13. Investigative authorities from these countries have appointed accredited representatives and experts to participate in the investigation and provide professional advice. Personnel from the National Transportation Safety Board of the United States and the Transport Safety Investigation Center of Türkiye have arrived in Hong Kong, while experts from Boeing are also participating.

     "Following the successful recovery of the 'black boxes', the subsequent data processing, along with a thorough analysis and integration of other evidence, will take time. We will release a preliminary investigation report within one month and continue to conduct a thorough and rigorous investigation to determine the sequence of events and causes of the accident, as well as to propose safety recommendations to enhance aviation safety," an AAIA spokesperson said.

     The AAIA, an independent investigation authority formed under the Transport and Logistics Bureau, is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and incidents in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B) and with reference to the International Civil Aviation Organization's standards. Pursuant to the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B), the AAIA is responsible for investigating all aircraft accidents and incidents occurring within Hong Kong territory, including those involving passenger aircraft, cargo aircraft, business jet and general aviation (such as light aircraft and helicopters), regardless of whether the aircraft is registered in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the State of Registry, the State of the Operator, the State of Design and the State of Manufacture of the aircraft involved in the accident or incident may appoint accredited representatives to participate in investigations.

Ends/Saturday, October 25, 2025
Issued at HKT 1:37

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