AirACT 747 Runway Excursion at Hong Kong: What We Know About the Serious Incident
The aviation world was shaken on October 20, 2025, when an AirACT cargo Boeing 747-400(BDSF) experienced a serious runway excursion at Hong Kong International Airport. The incident, involving Emirates SkyCargo flight EK9788, resulted in tragic consequences and raises important questions about runway safety and cargo operations.
The Incident: Timeline and Details
At 03:53 local time on October 20 (19:53 UTC on October 19), the aircraft registered as TC-ACF touched down on Runway 07L, Hong Kong’s northernmost runway, as it completed its journey from Dubai. However, approximately 5,000 feet from the runway threshold, the aircraft veered sharply to the left, departing the paved surface.
The 747 continued its uncontrolled path across airport infrastructure until it struck a ground vehicle before breaching the airport’s sea wall. The aircraft subsequently entered the sea, where its tail was severed from the fuselage. The four crew members aboard managed to evacuate the aircraft safely, but the incident proved fatal for those in the ground vehicle struck during the excursion.
The Tragic Human Cost
According to Hong Kong police reports, the ground vehicle’s occupants suffered fatal injuries. One individual died at the scene, while a second succumbed to their injuries in hospital. This tragedy underscores how runway incidents can extend beyond the aircraft itself to affect ground personnel and emergency responders.
Technical Data: What the Flightradar24 Data Reveals
Granular ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) data received by Flightradar24 provides fascinating insights into the aircraft’s final moments. As the 747 veered off the runway, it was traveling at 90 knots over the ground. As it approached the water, its speed had decreased to 49 knots, with the final ADS-B transmission recorded at just 43 knots suggesting progressive deceleration as the aircraft encountered obstacles and terrain.
This data not only documents the incident but also aids investigators in understanding the aircraft’s trajectory and speed profile during the excursion.
The Aircraft: A Storied 747
The TC-ACF airframe carries decades of aviation history. Before its conversion to cargo configuration, this Boeing 747-400 served with All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s flagship carrier. During its passenger service, the aircraft even wore a special Pokémon-themed livery—a nostalgic detail for aviation enthusiasts.
AirACT, the Turkish charter cargo operator that owned and operated the aircraft, specializes in freight operations. The airline maintains a modest fleet of 747s and operates in the competitive cargo sector, which has seen significant growth in recent years.
Weather Conditions at Time of Incident
At the time of the accident, Hong Kong International Airport was experiencing relatively benign weather conditions:
- Wind: 020 degrees at 18 knots with gusts to 21 knots
- Visibility: 9,999 meters (unlimited)
- Cloud: Few clouds at 3,000 feet
- Temperature: 27°C
- Dew point: 20°C
- Barometric pressure: 1011 hectopascals
While winds were moderate, they were not unusually severe for Hong Kong operations. Weather does not appear to be a primary factor in this incident, directing investigator focus toward other potential causes.
Hong Kong’s Runway 07L: A Critical Infrastructure Asset
Runway 07L is Hong Kong International Airport’s northernmost runway and represents critical infrastructure for one of Asia’s busiest aviation hubs. The seawall proximity which ultimately became a limiting factor in this incident is a geographical reality that airport operators must constantly manage and for which they have extensive safety protocols.
What Happens Next: Investigation and Safety Implications
The incident will trigger a comprehensive investigation by Hong Kong authorities and likely involve the Turkish aviation authority given the aircraft’s registration. Investigators will examine multiple factors: pilot training and experience, aircraft maintenance records, approach procedures, runway conditions, and whether any mechanical anomalies contributed to the loss of directional control.
For the broader aviation industry, this incident will undoubtedly prompt discussions about cargo operations, runway safety measures, and the protocols that ground personnel follow during aircraft operations. While cargo flights operate within the same regulatory framework as passenger flights, the different operational profiles and crew compositions merit ongoing safety review.
Reflecting on Runway Safety
Runway excursions remain a significant factor in aviation accident statistics. While they rarely result in fatalities involving aircraft occupants thanks to modern aircraft design and safety systems this incident reminds us that aviation safety extends beyond the flight deck to encompass ground operations, airport infrastructure, and the people who support flight operations.
As the investigation unfolds, the aviation community will watch closely for insights that might enhance safety protocols and prevent similar incidents in the future.
