Following the recent report by TKWW (Ta Kung Wen Wei) regarding an HK Express aircraft that deviated from the runway and struck a sign at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), HKPAPA (Hong Kong Professional Airline Pilots Association) was invited to provide an expert analysis of the incident.
As a professional body committed to the highest safety standards, HKPAPA highlighted the critical intersection of environmental conditions and operational decision-making.
Technical Factors Under Review
In the discussion, HKPAPA emphasized that aviation accidents are rarely the result of a single cause. Instead, they often involve a combination of factors:
Severe Weather Dynamics: During the time of the incident, HKIA was facing strong winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms. HKPAPA explained that sudden shifts in wind direction (such as a headwind turning into a tailwind or crosswind) can lead to a sudden loss of airspeed, making landing exceptionally difficult.
Low Visibility and Terrain: The combination of heavy precipitation and the complex geography around HKIA creates a challenging "micro-climate" for pilots, especially during the final touchdown and ground-roll phase.
Operational Readiness: HKPAPA stressed the importance of evaluating pilot training and fatigue levels, as well as the technical performance of the aircraft's steering and braking systems, to ensure future safety.
The Pilot's Responsibility
HKPAPA clarified that while pilots receive real-time weather updates and landing clearance, the final decision to land rests with the crew based on the aircraft’s performance limits and company safety protocols. If conditions exceed these conservative limits, the standard procedure is to "Go-Around" or divert.
Moving Forward with Safety
HKPAPA remains a dedicated resource for both the media and the aviation community. By providing technical insights to outlets like TKWW, we aim to foster a deeper public understanding of the professional standards required to keep Hong Kong’s skies safe.
Source: TKWW - HK Express Runway Deviation: HKPAPA notes difficulty of landing in strong wind and rain