HONG KONG- Authorities have recovered the main fuselage of an AirACT Boeing 747-400 freighter that veered off runway 07L and plunged into the sea while operating a service for Emirates (EK) from Dubai (DXB) on October 20.
The crew members of the cargo aircraft survived the accident. Following days of challenging recovery operations, the fuselage was successfully lifted from the waters north of Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and placed on a barge for transport to a secure storage site.
Emirates Operated 747 Fuselage Recovered
According to the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the fuselage was raised from the seabed on October 26 using specialized salvage vessels. The recovery effort followed the retrieval of the aircraft’s tail section on October 24, which allowed investigators to obtain both flight recorders.
Images from the site indicate that the two starboard engines of the Boeing 747-400 remain attached to the wings.
Additionally, one of the aircraft’s GE Aerospace CF6 engines and its landing-gear assemblies were recovered earlier in the week. The Airport Authority confirmed that all recovered components would be transported for detailed inspection as part of the ongoing investigation.
Salvage Work and Operations
The salvage team continued to recover remaining aircraft parts on October 27 and completed all recovery operations by the evening.
The Airport Authority emphasized that flight operations at Hong Kong International Airport have remained normal throughout the process, ensuring minimal disruption to airline schedules.
Authorities have not yet drawn conclusions about the cause of the incident. The Hong Kong Air Accident Investigation Authority is leading the inquiry, which will analyze flight data, cockpit recordings, and structural damage to determine the sequence of events leading to the excursion.
Investigation Support
AirACT, a Turkish cargo operator, was operating the Boeing 747-400 freighter under a wet-lease arrangement for Emirates SkyCargo when the incident occurred.
The aircraft’s loss marks one of the most serious runway excursions in recent years at Hong Kong International Airport, a hub known for its safety record and complex coastal approach.
The recovery operation has involved coordination between multiple agencies, including local marine authorities and airport emergency response teams.
The fuselage and other components will remain in storage under the supervision of investigators until a full technical analysis is completed.
Bottom Line
The recovery of the AirACT Boeing 747-400 fuselage from the waters near Hong Kong marks a significant milestone in the investigation into the October 20 runway excursion.
While the crew survived, the accident claimed two lives and caused extensive damage to the aircraft.
As salvage operations conclude, focus now turns to determining the exact circumstances behind the incident and ensuring such tragedies are prevented in the future.
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