Aviation enthusiast sells alleged debris from fatal HKIA crash; AAIA refers case to police

An aviation enthusiast sparked public outrage after attempting to sell debris fragments online, allegedly from a cargo plane that crashed at Hong Kong International Airport last year killing two people, the Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) confirmed.

The individual posted on social media offering pieces of wreckage for HK$100, claiming they came from the ill-fated Boeing 747-481 BDSF operated by Emirates SkyCargo and bore its registration, TC-ACF, sourced from "anonymous sources."

Netizens condemned the act, with comments including "How can anyone profit from blood money?" The seller later claimed to have surrendered all fragments to police, admitting the act was "immoral" and refunding buyers. Police reportedly treated the debris as garbage, noting crucial wreckage had already been taken by authorities and authenticity could not be verified.

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The AAIA told Sing Tao Headline it had completed evidence retrieval from the wreckage and is analyzing data to determine the accident's cause. After finishing the probe, it notified the airline in December 2025 to handle the remaining wreckage. The carrier removed it from the crash site in January 2026. The AAIA stressed the debris remains the airline's property.

Regarding the suspected trespassing and removal of aircraft debris, the AAIA confirmed it has notified police and urged anyone with information to assist the investigation.