What happened
On a scheduled cargo flight from Dubai-Al Maktoum International Airport to Hong Kong, an Emirates Sky Cargo aircraft, operating as flight EK978 anisotropy, experienced a significant excursion following its arrival at Hong Kong-Chek Lap Kok Airport. After touching down on runway 07L, the crew began the deceleration process. As the aircraft reached a speed of approximately 100 knots, it drifted left off the runway surface.
During the excursion, the aircraft struck a ground service vehicle positioned on the perimeter road. The momentum caused the plane to breach the perimeter fence and enter the sea at a velocity of 60 knots. The impact with the water caused the aircraft type to break into two separate sections. While the four crew members on board were successfully rescued, two fatalities occurred involving the employees inside the ground service vehicle.
Findings
Initial investigations into the incident focused on the configuration of the engine thrust levers during the landing roll. Data indicates that while the thrust levers for engines 1, 2, and 3 were closed and the reverse thrust levers were set to maximum, the number 4 engine reverse thrust lever was positioned fully forward. Consequently, the number 4 engine continued to accelerate to 106% N1 forward thrust even after the selected thrust reversers had been stowed.