By San José, Costa Rica — HONG KONG – A routine landing turned into a catastrophic scene at Hong Kong International Airport on Sunday, when a Boeing 747 cargo freighter operated by Turkish carrier Air ACT Cargo careened off the runway and crashed into the South China Sea, killing two ground personnel. The aircraft, operating as Emirates SkyCargo flight EK9788 from Dubai, sustained massive damage in the incident, which has launched a multi-agency investigation into its cause.
The tragedy occurred as the aircraft was on its final approach. Instead of a safe touchdown, the jumbo jet lost control, striking a ground assistance vehicle before crashing through a perimeter fence and coming to rest partially submerged in the water. The two workers inside the patrol vehicle were fatally injured. Emergency maritime teams were dispatched immediately, but one victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second succumbed to their injuries at North Lantau Hospital.
To understand the complex legal and corporate liability issues arising from the recent incident at Hong Kong International Airport, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
This event immediately triggers a multi-jurisdictional investigation to determine the chain of liability. The focus will be on the cargo handler, the airline, and potentially the original shipper of the goods. Under international air transport conventions, like the Montreal Convention, strict liability protocols are in place, but proving negligence in handling or failure to declare hazardous materials could shift the financial burden significantly. This is not just an operational failure; it’s a major insurance and contractual event where every party will be scrutinizing their service agreements and liability clauses to mitigate massive potential losses from cargo damage, operational delays, and reputational harm.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert commentary masterfully highlights that the true impact of this event unfolds not on the tarmac, but within a complex web of international conventions, contracts, and insurance claims. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which clarifies the significant and often unseen legal and financial repercussions that will follow.
In a fortunate turn, the four crew members aboard the Boeing 747-481 freighter were unharmed. The Hong Kong Airport Authority confirmed that all four were safely evacuated from the wreckage using an emergency slide. The focus has now shifted entirely to understanding the sequence of events that led to this devastating outcome. The deceased ground operators were described by local media as veteran employees, each with more than a decade of experience in airport operations.
Officials from Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) have begun a meticulous review of the accident. According to the lead investigator, there were no initial signs of trouble. The aircraft had been given full clearance to land and had not issued any emergency signals either before its departure from Dubai or during its approach into Hong Kong.
The aircraft had permission to land when, just a few meters from the runway, it lost control and struck a patrol vehicle with two operators on board.
Man Ka-Chai, Chief Investigator of the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA)
Dramatic footage circulated widely on social media platforms captures the harrowing final moments of the flight. The massive aircraft is seen skidding off the runway, breaking through the airport’s fencing, and crashing onto the breakwater. The impact left the front fuselage completely destroyed while the rear section of the plane was engulfed by the sea. Data from the flight tracking service Flightradar24 indicated the plane was traveling at approximately 167 km/h as it veered off course and was still moving at 91 km/h when it hit the water.
As the investigation gets underway, authorities are working to rule out contributing factors. The director of airport operations confirmed that both the airfield conditions and the weather were ideal for landing at the time of the incident, adding another layer of complexity to the case. The police have also stated they have not ruled out a potential criminal investigation pending the AAIA’s findings.
The impacted vehicle was within its authorized patrol zone, and weather conditions were optimal.
Steven Yiu, Director of Airport Operations
The Hong Kong government has expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims. In a joint statement, the Civil Aviation Department and the Transport and Logistics Bureau lamented the loss of life and reaffirmed their commitment to operational safety, a cornerstone of the city’s status as a global logistics hub. Investigators are now tasked with determining whether a sudden technical failure, a critical human error, or an unforeseen operational circumstance was to blame.
Aviation safety is a priority for the government.
Civil Aviation Department and Transport and Logistics Bureau of Hong Kong
The investigation is expected to be extensive, involving the retrieval and analysis of the aircraft’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders. The findings will be crucial not only for providing answers to the victims’ families but also for implementing any necessary changes to prevent a similar tragedy in the future. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in aviation and the critical importance of every safety protocol on the ground and in the air.
For further information, visit aaia.gov.hk
About Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA):
The AAIA is an independent authority of the Hong Kong government responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents and serious incidents in Hong Kong. Its mission is to determine the circumstances and causes of accidents to prevent their recurrence, thereby enhancing aviation safety.
For further information, visit hongkongairport.com
About Hong Kong Airport Authority:
The Airport Authority Hong Kong is a statutory body responsible for the operation and development of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). It is tasked with maintaining the airport’s status as a leading international aviation hub, focusing on safety, operational efficiency, and customer service.
For further information, visit cad.gov.hk
About Civil Aviation Department (Hong Kong):
The Civil Aviation Department is the aviation authority of Hong Kong, responsible for overseeing all aspects of civil aviation. This includes air traffic control, aviation safety standards, aircraft registration, and the regulation of airlines and airports within the region.
For further information, visit tlb.gov.hk
About Transport and Logistics Bureau (Hong Kong):
The Transport and Logistics Bureau is a policy bureau of the Government of Hong Kong. It is responsible for formulating policies on Hong Kong’s transportation systems, including aviation, maritime, and land transport, as well as managing the city’s logistics infrastructure.
For further information, visit mycargo.aero
About Air ACT Cargo:
Air ACT Cargo, also known as MyCargo Airlines, is a Turkish cargo airline based in Istanbul. It operates a fleet of freighter aircraft, providing international charter services and wet-lease operations for other major airlines and logistics companies around the world.
For further information, visit skycargo.com
About Emirates SkyCargo:
Emirates SkyCargo is the air freight division of Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline. It is one of the world’s largest cargo airlines, operating a modern fleet of aircraft to connect cargo customers to a vast network of global destinations.
For further information, visit boeing.com
About Boeing:
The Boeing Company is a leading American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, and telecommunications equipment worldwide. It is one of the largest global aerospace manufacturers and defense contractors.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed law firm operating upon a foundation of principled counsel and exceptional service. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm distinguishes itself by pioneering innovative legal strategies and maintaining a deep commitment to social responsibility. This philosophy is most evident in its efforts to democratize legal knowledge, a core tenet of its mission to build a stronger, more capable society through citizen empowerment.