Following the recent incident where an HK Express flight arriving from Beijing Daxing Airport deviated slightly from the runway centerline and struck a directional sign, ST Headline featured HKPAPA (Hong Kong Professional Airline Pilots Association) to provide a professional perspective on the operational challenges faced by the crew.
As an organization dedicated to aviation safety and technical excellence, HKPAPA provided clarity on why landing during severe weather can be one of the most demanding tasks for any pilot.
Technical Factors and Weather Extremes
In the report, HKPAPA highlighted several environmental factors that significantly increased the difficulty of the landing:
Severe Wind Conditions: At the time of the incident, the airport was experiencing wind speeds of up to 83 km/h (approx. 45 knots). HKPAPA explained that sudden shifts between head winds, tail winds, and crosswinds can cause an aircraft to lose airspeed or drift instantly.
Environmental Complexity: Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and the unique terrain surrounding Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) often lead to low visibility and unpredictable "micro-climates."
Operational Thresholds: HKPAPA noted that every airline has conservative operational safety limits. If wind conditions exceed the aircraft’s maximum capabilities, pilots are trained to "Go-Around" or divert to another airport, as safety is always the primary concern.
A Serious Incident Requiring Full Investigation
While describing the event as a "ground control phase" incident rather than a large-scale accident, HKPAPA emphasized its seriousness. The Association advocated for a comprehensive investigation by the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) to examine:
Pilot Fatigue and Training: Ensuring crews are well-rested and prepared for such extreme conditions.
Aircraft System Integrity: Checking the performance of steering and braking systems during the landing roll.
Human Factors: Reviewing the decision-making process during the final moments of the flight.
Our Commitment to Safety
HKPAPA remains committed to providing professional data and experience-based analysis to help the public understand the technicalities of flight operations. We believe that through transparent discussion and rigorous investigation, the Hong Kong aviation community can continue to uphold its world-class safety standards.
Source: ST Headline - HK Express Runway Incident: HKPAPA notes heavy rain and wind made landing difficult