The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) today (October 13) published Interim Statement ITR-2026-09 on an accident that occurred on October 20, 2025, involving a Boeing 747-481 BDSF freighter aircraft (registration mark TC-ACF) operated by ACT Airlines (on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo), which veered off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport, resulting in the deaths of two airport security personnel inside a ground airport security vehicle parked outside the runway area.

     Since the accident, the Government has attached great importance to the follow-up work in relation to the case. The Interim Statement is an interim report on the progress of the investigation, issued for anniversary updates in accordance with the requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organization. Its purpose is to provide the aviation industry and the public with timely information on the progress of the investigation. The final investigation report will be published upon completion of the investigation, and will set out a comprehensive account of the accident, its causes and recommendations for enhancing aviation safety.

     The technical analysis for this accident is complex, some of the work must be carried out overseas by the relevant authorities. The AAIA is also required to undertake extensive co-ordination with the accredited representatives and their technical advisors of parties including the National Transportation Safety Board of the United States, Boeing, and aircraft component manufacturers, and to verify and confirm the information concerned. These factors will affect the investigation timeline. The Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) has requested the AAIA to press ahead with the investigation on the premise of ensuring its rigour and professionalism, with a view to completing it as soon as possible under the target of concluding all investigation work by the end of 2026.

     The AAIA will continue to conduct an independent and in-depth professional investigation in strict accordance with international standards, with the aim of establishing the truth of the accident to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. Should any evidence of suspected unlawful acts come to light in the course of the investigation, it will be referred to the relevant law enforcement agencies for follow-up without delay.

     A spokesman for the TLB said, "We once again extend our deepest condolences on the deaths of the two airport security personnel in this accident, and offer our sincere sympathies to their families. Since the accident, the Government has maintained close contact with the families of the deceased and, through cross-departmental co-ordination, has provided them with comprehensive and appropriate support, including housing and other related assistance."

     In addition, as the freighter concerned is registered in Türkiye, the TLB has maintained close communication with the Turkish Consulate General in Hong Kong, exchanging information on the follow-up matters to the accident and co-ordination of the investigation. The Turkish side has also been fully co-operative and supportive throughout. The TLB will continue to render full support to the investigation work, ensure the full implementation of the relevant safety recommendations, and further strengthen the flight and ground safety standards at Hong Kong International Airport.

Ends/Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:37

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