1998
Aircraft accident investigation
report released
11 December 1998
The Government today (Friday) published the report of
the investigation into a serious aircraft incident which
was discovered during an inspection on 5 December 1996.
The incident involved a Cathay Pacific Airways Boeing
747-236F freighter. The torque bulkhead at the rear of
the aircraft's No. One engine pylon was found to have
suffered from a failure in the form of a crack that extended
across the full width of the bulkhead.
"The investigation was conducted by the Accidents
Investigation Division of the Civil Aviation Department
(CAD) with the objective of identifying the cause in order
to prevent future recurrence," a CAD spokesman said.
"The report contains an analysis of the circumstances
surrounding the incident together with conclusions and
recommendations."
"A recommendation calling on the manufacturer of
the aircraft to take remedial measures was made in the
report.
"We are pleased to learn that the aircraft manufacturer
has adopted the recommendation," he said.
Copies of the report are now available for sale at the
Government Publications Centre on the Ground Floor of
Queensway Government Offices, Hong Kong.
Civil Aviation Department launches
search and rescue exercises
30 November 1998
The annual search and rescue exercise coordinated by the
Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will be held for three
consecutive days starting from Wednesday ( December 2
).
The exercise is aimed to provide training and familiarization
in search and rescue technique for staff of the CAD and
other search and rescue units.
The exercise this year will consist of a static display
of aircraft by the various participating units and rescue
equipment by the Airport Fire Contingent, a short range
rescue demonstration off near Sha Chau and a long range
exercise in the South China Sea.
The short range rescue demonstration will include the
launching and recovery of helicopters from a ship of the
United States Coast Guard, and winching of simulated survivors
by Government Flying Service and United States Coast Guard
Cutter helicopters from the water and transfer of the
simulated survivors onto the deck of the ship.
A spokesman for CAD said, "The main event would be
the long range exercise to be held on Thursday (December
3). The long range exercise, being the first large-scale
one since the inauguration of the New Airport at Chek
Lap Kok, is to test the alerting and co-ordination procedures
as well as communication facilities of various search
and rescue units."
"It will be activated in the evening of December
2, simulating an aircraft in distress about 130 kilometers
south of Hong Kong. Search aircraft, helicopters and ships
will be dispatched to the area the following morning to
search and locate the simulated targets in the South China
Sea," he said.
In addition to CAD, other participants will include the
United States Air Force, United States Coast Guard, United
States Navy, People's Liberation Army's Hong Kong Garrison,
Government Flying Service, Hong Kong Police Force (Marine
Region), Marine Department, Fire Services Department,
Civil Aid Services, Airport Authority and Information
Services Department.
A number of search and rescue experts from the Asia-Pacific
Region including the Mainland (Guangzhou, Shenzhen and
Zhuhai), Macau, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei are also
attending as observers.
Speech delivered by Director of Civil Aviation, Mr. R A Siegel on the light-out ceremony of Kai Tak Airport.
5 July 1998
Kai Tak has served our community for over 60 years from
being a grass field to becoming the 3rd busiest international
airport in the world. It has made a vital contribution
to our economy and has also been a gateway for the hopes
and dreams of millions of passengers.
Its history has reflected the dynamic growth of our society
and without the achievements of Kai Tak, Hong Kong today
would be a very different place.
It will always be special in our hearts, not only here
in Hong Kong but also to many people around the world.
Kai Tak has truly been one of the world's great airports
but tonight we must say good bye to our old friend.
The last passenger has arrived, the last flight has departed,
the runway is silent and it is now time to turn off the
lights which have safely guided thousands of arriving
aircraft.
Goodbye Kai Tak and thank you.
Publication of Incident Report
VR-HOX (2/97)
6 February 1998
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government
today published the report of the investigation into an
aircraft incident that happened shortly after take-off
from Hong Kong on 28 May 1995. The incident involved a
Cathay Pacific Airways Boeing 747-467 operating a scheduled
flight CX289 from Hong Kong to Frankfurt.
The investigation was conducted by the Civil Aviation
Department. The objective of the investigation is to identify
the cause of the incident and prevent future recurrence.
The report contains an analysis of the circumstances surrounding
the incident together with conclusions and recommendations.
The aircraft*s Number 2 engine experienced an engine fire
and was substantially damaged. Twenty-two persons suffered
from minor injury, mainly abrasions and lacerations during
passenger evacuation after landing.
Five safety recommendations were made in the report and
they were addressed to the operator of the aircraft (Cathay
Pacific Airways Limited), the Hong Kong Civil Aviation
Department, Airport Fire Services, UK Civil Aviation Authority
and Rolls-Royce plc to take remedial measures.
Copies of the report are for sale at the Government Publication
Sales Centre on the Ground Floor of Queensway Government
Offices, Hong Kong. Copy will be boxed at ISD.
