Deadly Hong Kong Plane Crash Highlights Critical Failures in Aviation Safety Oversight

On October 20th, a Boeing 747 leased by Emirates and operated by Turkey-based ACT Airlines suffered a catastrophic accident upon landing in Hong Kong. The aircraft’s Number 4 engine unexpectedly accelerated after touchdown, causing the plane to skid off the runway and collide with a security patrol car. Both workers inside the vehicle tragically lost their lives, while the flight crew escaped unscathed. How Did an Engine Surge Go Unchecked on a Busy International Runway? The initial investigation by Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority revealed routine conditions—weather, runway status, and air traffic control—were all normal before the incident. Yet,...