Hong Kong – Investigation reports on four incidents involving Boeing 787 passenger aircraft published

     The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) today (August 11) published the investigation reports (3/2023 to 6/2023) on the investigations into four incidents involving Boeing 787 passenger aircraft which deviated from their courses while approaching Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) between July and October 2019.

     In the four incidents, the aircraft deviated from the localizer courses during Instrument Landing System approaches to landing at HKIA. The pilots then assumed manual control of the aircraft which landed safely afterwards. None of the aircraft was damaged and no one was injured in the incidents.

     The investigation concluded that the incidents were caused by a software issue in the Autopilot Flight Director System of the aircraft. The investigation team has made one safety recommendation and the aircraft manufacturer has taken relevant action.

     The investigation team also identified an audio quality issue during a review of audio recording of a cockpit voice recorder in one of the incidents. The investigation team has made one safety recommendation based on which the aircraft manufacturer is reviewing the necessary actions.

     The investigation was conducted by a team of professional investigators in strict adherence to international standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). “The objective of the investigation was to identify the circumstances and causes of the incidents with a view to preventing a recurrence,” an AAIA spokesperson said.

     Throughout the investigation, all parties concerned were properly consulted on the reports. The reports are available for download on the AAIA webpage (www.tlb.gov.hk/aaia/eng/investigation_reports/index.html). 

     The AAIA is an independent investigation authority responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B) and with reference to the ICAO’s standards.