Probe into HK Express flight runway excursion at HK airport to take a year

A HK Express passenger aircraft veered off the runway during its landing at Hong Kong International Airport last month, with aviation authorities estimating the full investigation will require approximately twelve months to complete.

The incident occurred on the morning of September 8, involving an Airbus A320 aircraft arriving from Beijing.

According to a preliminary report from the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA), the aircraft landed on Runway 07L at approximately 10.34am when it suddenly deviated to the right, entering a grassy area between taxiways C6 and C7. The aircraft subsequently managed to return to the runway under its own power and taxied to a stop on taxiway Z. 

During the incident, the aircraft struck and destroyed three runway edge lights and two apron guidance signs in the grass area. The impact resulted in damage to the aircraft's landing gear, right-side engine, and fuselage.

The Airport Authority confirmed that the runway itself remained undamaged and no aircraft components were found left behind on the runway surface following the event.

The AAIA has initiated a comprehensive investigation, noting that France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety has been notified and has appointed an accredited representative to participate in the probe, a standard procedure for incidents involving Airbus aircraft. Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department has also been notified of the investigation.

Investigation teams have already conducted interviews with the flight crew and cabin attendants involved in the incident.

Authorities have collected and begun analyzing multiple data sources including flight documentation, flight data recordings, cockpit voice recordings, airport CCTV footage, air traffic control records, and meteorological information to determine the circumstances and causes of the deviation.

HK Express has confirmed its full cooperation with the official investigation while concurrently launching an internal review of the incident.

The airline's management has emphasized treating the matter with utmost seriousness and is committed to learning from the event to enhance operational safety.