Investigation Summary
The aircraft involved, TC-ACF, was a converted freighter with a long history, including service as a 'Pokémon Jet' for All Nippon Airways. On the night of the accident, the flight was arriving from Dubai. During the landing rollout on runway 07L, the aircraft veered off the runway surface. It struck a ground vehicle occupied by two airport security staff members before continuing into the water. The fuselage split into two sections upon impact with the sea. This event marked the first fatal aviation-related incident at Hong Kong International Airport since the crash of China Airlines Flight 642 in 1999.
Final Conclusions
While the investigation is ongoing, the accident resulted in two ground fatalities and the total hull loss of the Boeing 747. The aircraft was written off. Airport authorities confirmed that runway 07L was fit for use following a post-accident inspection.
Video Analysis
Emirates SkyCargo Flight 9788 Accident Animation — Visual reconstruction and brief of the 2025 runway excursion involving an Air ACT Boeing 747 in Hong Kong.
Watch on YouTube ↗If playback is blocked, the owner has disabled embedding — use the link above.
Systems & Failure Modes
BDSF Conversion
The aircraft was a 'Boeing Designed Smart Freighter' conversion, originally built as a passenger 747-400.
Runway 07L
The specific landing strip at HKIA where the excursion occurred; it was later cleared for service.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was operated by Turkish carrier Air ACT on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo.
- 02Two airport security staff members (aged 30 and 41) were killed in the ground collision.
- 03The aircraft was 32 years old, originally delivered to ANA in 1993.
- 04The flight crew consisted of four Turkish nationals: a captain, first officer, loadmaster, and flight engineer.
- 05The aircraft was one of only two Boeing 747s operated by Air ACT at the time.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Runway Inspection
Airport Authority Hong Kong conducted a full examination of Runway 07L to ensure no structural damage or debris remained before reopening it to traffic.