Introduction
The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) has issued an interim statement regarding an accident involving a Cathay Pacific Airways Boeing 777-300ER, registration B-KPQ, at Hong Kong International Airport on 24 June 2023. The investigation is being conducted under the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B).
Incident Details
The AAIA determined that an explosive tire deflation occurred prior to the evacuation of the aircraft. Two maintenance personnel who initially attended the accident aircraft narrowly escaped serious injury.
Investigation Progress
The investigation team has progressed the analysis on the cause of the accident based on collected evidence and information. The investigation report is being prepared in accordance with the relevant regulations. Comprehensive testing has been undertaken to ascertain the reason for the explosive tire deflation. In addition to technical aspects, the investigation examined various human factors, including crew decision-making, crew interaction, training protocols, and emergency evacuation procedures.
Safety Recommendation
During the investigation, the AAIA identified issues in communication and coordination between the operator and its maintenance and ground service providers. These issues were considered a safety risk requiring timely mitigations. Consequently, a Safety Recommendation was made to Cathay Pacific Airways and was accepted. The recommendation calls for the operator to conduct a systemic review of its ground handling procedures, specifically focusing on risks associated with a high-speed rejected takeoff (RTO). The operator is expected to establish effective communication and coordination mechanisms with ground service providers, both in-house and contracted personnel, and to ensure their familiarity with safety precautions outlined in relevant manuals.
Conclusion
The interim statement was released on 24 June 2025, in accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, as the investigation report could not be made publicly available within twelve months. The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.