Early Probe Finds Engine Surge After Landing in Hong Kong 747 Cargo Plane Crash

‘Nose Door’ loading capability of Boeing 747-400F aircraft

A preliminary investigation into a tragic freight aircraft crash at Hong Kong International Airport on October 20, 2025, reveals that one engine of the aircraft accelerated after touchdown, according to authorities.

The aircraft, a Boeing 747-481BDSF cargo jet operated by ACT Airlines on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo, veered off the runway and collided with a security patrol vehicle, plunging into the sea at the airport’s northern end. The crash killed two airport ground-crew members; the four crew aboard the plane escaped without serious injury.

According to the investigative body, the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA), the thrust lever for Engine 4 was found in the full forward position, while thrust-reverser levers on Engines 1, 2 and 3 were engaged in reverse.

The aircraft landed from Dubai under night conditions, with no weather, runway or air-traffic-control issues reported at the time of touchdown. Investigators are now probing why Engine 4 accelerated, including possible system malfunctions, maintenance discrepancies or human-factor issues.

A full final report is expected within a year. The AAIA is being aided by representatives from Turkey’s Transport Safety Investigation Center, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and manufacture experts from Boeing.

The incident stands out as one of the most serious airport accidents in Hong Kong in over 25 years and highlights the risks of seemingly routine landings when unexpected system behavior occurs.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com, Reuters, apnews.com