What happened
On 20 October 2025, at approximately 03:52 hours, an ACT Airlines Boeing 747-481 BDSF, operating on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo, landed on Runway 07L at Hong Kong International Airport. The flight, arriving from Dubai World Central, was performing a cargo operation. During the deceleration phase following touchdown, an "AUTOBRAKES" alert appeared on the cockpit's Engine Indelication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) display.
Following this alert, the captain assumed control of the aircraft. The aircraft then veered to the left, exiting the runway near Taxiway C6. During the excursion, the aircraft struck a stationary security ground vehicle, causing the vehicle to be pushed into the sea. The aircraft also destroyed airport meteorological sensors, signage, and a section of the perimeter fence. The impact was severe enough that the tail section of the aircraft separated. While all four crew members survived, two fatalities occurred among the security staff in the ground vehicle. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
The investigation
The AAIA has conducted an inspection of the accident site and secured the wreckage for examination. Investigators have retrieved the Flight Data Recorder, Cockpit Voice Recorder, and Electronic Engine Control Units for laboratory analysis. The investigation is also reviewing air traffic control records, CCTV footage, and meteorological data.
Preliminary examination of the flight deck revealed that the autobrake selector was in the "Disarmed" position. Flight data indicates that after the aircraft had already veered off the runway, the Number 4 engine accelerated to approximately 107% N1 forward thrust. Additionally, thrust reverser selections for engines 1, 2, and 3 were observed to occur after the aircraft had left the runway surface.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating with certain Minimum Equipment List (MEL) items, including an inoperative thrust reverser on the number 4 engine.
- The Number 4 engine accelerated to forward thrust during the runway excursion.
- The aircraft's tail section separated from the main fuselage during the sequence of impacts.