Air Accident Investigation Authority publishes Interim Statement on Boeing 747-481 BDSF freighter accident investigation
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The investigation team has completed key investigative actions, including wreckage recovery and the collection of relevant data and records such as from the airline, meteorological services, air traffic control and the airport. The relevant aircraft components (including the on-board recording systems) have been sent to the state of manufacture for examination. The AAIA has also arranged for its investigators to travel overseas to oversee the key examinations on-site. One of the key focuses of the investigation is the forward movement of the No. 4 engine thrust lever, which caused the aircraft to turn left during the landing roll and veer off the runway. To date, technical examinations of the relevant aircraft components have not revealed any mechanical failure related to the accident.
The investigation is still in progress. It includes a specialist sound spectrum analysis to determine whether the forward movement of the No. 4 engine thrust lever was driven mechanically or caused by external forces. The investigation team will also arrange flight simulation trials to reconstruct the circumstances of the runway excursion on the day of the accident, and will review the accident history of aircraft of the same type.
A spokesperson for the AAIA said that the investigation involves complex technical workflows and requires verification of information with various professional parties. Immediately after the accident, the AAIA inspected and surveyed the accident site; interviewed the crew of the aircraft concerned; collected evidence including flight documents, flight data and cockpit voice recordings; and arranged for the early salvage of the aircraft wreckage and the recovery of the flight data recorder and other important aircraft components. The AAIA published the Preliminary Report and Public Notice PLR-2025-04 on November 18, 2025. The AAIA has proactively expedited the investigation, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The final investigation report will be published after all investigation work and statutory review procedures have been completed. The Interim Statement is published to provide the aviation industry and the public with timely updates on the progress of the investigation. The Interim Statement can be downloaded from the AAIA website (www.tlb.gov.hk/aaia/eng/investigation_reports/index.html).
The AAIA is an independent investigation body established under the Transport and Logistics Bureau, responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents and incidents under the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B) and with reference to International Civil Aviation Organization standards. The purpose of an AAIA investigation is to identify the causes of an accident (including a review of the human factors involved) and to make safety recommendations to enhance the safety of aircraft passengers and prevent the recurrence of accidents.
Ends/Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:35
Issued at HKT 15:35
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