On October 20, 2025, a Boeing 747-400 freighter operated by ACT Airlines on behalf of Emirates crashed into the sea after veering off the runway during landing at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
The Boeing 747-400F, registered TC-ACF, was operating flight EK9788 from Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) to Hong Kong, with four crew members onboard. The aircraft departed Dubai on the evening of October 19 and was due to arrive in Hong Kong early the next morning.
At approximately 3:52 AM local time (19:52 UTC Oct 19), the freighter landed on Runway 07L and initially slowed normally to about 100 knots. However, moments later, it began veering left off the runway, broke through the airport’s perimeter fence, collided with a ground patrol vehicle, and plunged into the sea while still moving at roughly 60 knots.
The collision killed both occupants of the patrol car, identified as airport security personnel. All four crew members onboard the aircraft survived and were rescued from the wreckage by emergency responders before being taken to local hospitals.
Emirates later confirmed that all crew were safe and that the aircraft was not carrying cargo at the time of the crash.
Emergency Response and Casualties
Rescue operations commenced within minutes, with marine police, firefighters, and airport emergency units deployed to the site. According to authorities, all four flight crew members were retrieved from the partially submerged wreckage and transferred to nearby hospitals for medical evaluation.
Tragically, two airport security staff in the patrol vehicle struck by the aircraft were pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle was later found submerged near the shoreline of the north runway.
The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) of Hong Kong confirmed it has opened a full investigation into the incident.
Weather Conditions and Possible Factors
Weather data from Hong Kong at the time of the incident indicated calm to moderate wind conditions and good visibility, ruling out poor weather as an immediate contributing factor. The aircraft appeared to have landed normally before suddenly veering off the runway, suggesting a potential technical or mechanical issue during the rollout phase.
The Boeing 747-400F involved was approximately 32 years old and operated by ACT Airlines (MyCargo Airlines), a Turkish cargo carrier that regularly conducts freighter operations for Emirates under a wet-lease agreement.
Runway 07L at Hong Kong International Airport sits along the island’s northern coastline, with minimal buffer between the runway’s end and the sea. This geographic constraint may have exacerbated the severity of the accident once the aircraft breached the fence line.
Investigation and Operational Impact
The AAIA will analyze flight data and cockpit voice recorders to determine what caused the loss of directional control. Investigators are expected to focus on the aircraft’s braking systems, reverse thrust deployment, tire or landing gear condition, and any anomalies during rollout.
Following the crash, operations at Hong Kong International Airport were temporarily suspended on the North Runway (07L/25R) for inspection and recovery work. Other runways remained open, allowing limited flight operations to continue.
The aircraft was declared a total loss after breaking apart upon impact with the water.