Hong Kong’s air accident watchdog releases preliminary probe into Cathay Pacific’s aborted flight
Hong Kong Free Press
The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) has released an accident investigation preliminary report into an aborted Cathay Pacific flight that left 11 passengers hospitalised during a take-off in Hong Kong on June 24.
According to report, the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft operated by Cathay Pacific Airways, and destined for Los Angeles, was carrying 293 passengers and 17 crew members.
The reason for the aborted take-off was a discrepancy relating to the airspeed indicated on the flight deck, the report read.
Warren Chim, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong Institute of Engineers Aircraft Division and a professional aircraft engineer, told Ming Pao ealier that – if something went wrong with the speed detection systems – the pilot should the take-off according to standard procedures as accurate speed detection was critical for a safe flight.
Hence, the pilot – in June – initiated the procedure for “rejected take-off (RTO).” However, the temperatures in the gear brakes were found to be increasing, and the tires were deflating as the aircraft taxied back to its parking stand, according to the report.
A fire in the left main landing gear was seen by crew members through a monitoring system after an explosion was heard and severe vibration was felt on board.
The evacuation began and the crew immediately alerted the Air Traffic Control (ATC) and requested support, the report said, adding that 11 passengers were injured, including two with serious injuries.
The preliminary report stated that it would not include any analysis or findings, as the aim was to merely provide factual and timely information found in the early phrase of evidence collection to the aviation industry and the general public.
Evidence collected
The AIAA said it had carried out an inspection of the aircraft conditions, obtained relevant photo evidence and the airport’s CCTV footage, and gathered data from the onboard Digital Flight Data Recorder as well as the Cockpit Voice Recorder.
The air accident watchdog said it was set to analyse all relevant operational safety risks related to the RTO procedures of the flight, conduct an in-depth examination of the retained aircraft components, and review the operator’s emergency procedures and practices.
The AAIA said it welcomed members of the public to make representations as to the circumstances or causes of the accident by letter, facsimile, telephone, or email to the Chief Inspector.
The pilots and cabin crew aboard the Cathay flight that aborted the take-off were removed from flight duties in line with what Hong Kong’s flagship carrier said was “standard protocol” when dealing with such incidents.
After the accident, the Transport and Logistics Bureau said on its official Facebook page that the government was “highly concerned” by the incident. Cathay Pacific has expressed its apologies over the incident and said it would cooperate with the government for further investigation.
Just a day after the aborted take-off, another Cathay Pacific flight was suspended due to a leaking water tank, according to local media reports.
Support HKFP | Policies & Ethics | Error/typo? | Contact Us | Newsletter | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps
Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team
Support press freedom & help us surpass 1,000 monthly Patrons: 100% independent, governed by an ethics code & not-for-profit.
