Damage to hydraulics, tyres and wheels of cargo jet in Hong Kong emergency landing, report finds

Air accident investigators say they will look at reasons for tyre and hydraulics failures and examine retained components

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The stricken cargo plane, which caused chaos at Hong Kong airport after it was forced to make an emergency landing. Photo: Jelly Tse

Published: 9:17pm, 16 Jul 2024Updated: 10:53pm, 16 Jul 2024

The cargo jet forced to make an emergency landing in Hong Kong that paralysed a runway for eight hours was later found to have major damage to its hydraulic system, as well as shredded tyres and lost wheel parts, a preliminary incident report has said.

The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) on Tuesday revealed the extent of the damage discovered after the emergency landing of the Atlas Air Boeing 747-400F on June 17.

“The investigation team is conducting a detailed analysis of the data and information collected in order to determine the circumstances and causes of this occurrence with a view to preventing a recurrence, in conjunction with identifying areas for further investigation or lines of inquiry to follow up,” an AAIA spokesman said.

The authority added it would look at the reasons for the failure of the tyres and hydraulic systems, as well as carry out an in-depth examination of retained components from the plane, with some to be examined at overseas test centres.

A post-flight inspection found parts were missing from wheel assemblies, in addition to damage to the tyres.

Some damage to the lower part of the forward fuselage, the lower right wing sections and to components inside the wheel well was also found.