Investigation Report on serious incident involving Boeing 787-8 passenger aircraft published
The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) today (April 7) published the Investigation Report IVR-2025-02 on the investigation into a serious incident involving a Boeing 787-8 passenger aircraft (registration mark VT-ANE) operated by Air India at Hong Kong International Airport on October 20, 2018.
On the day of the incident, the aircraft departed from Indira Gandhi International Airport, India, for Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). During the approach to HKIA at about 6am, the aircraft descended rapidly, triggering a series of alerts. The aircraft had descended to 280 feet radio altitude, approximately 2.6 nautical miles from the runway, when the crew performed a go-around. The aircraft landed uneventfully on the second approach.
The investigation identified that the cause of the incident was that following the fluctuation of the Instrument Landing System glideslope signal, which resulted in an undesired pitch down and deviation of the aircraft below the intended flight path, coupled with a subsequent delay in recovery by the flight crew, the approach became increasingly unstable. The investigation team has made three safety recommendations to Air India.
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 serious incident with a view to preventing a recurrence," an AAIA spokesperson said.
Throughout the investigation, all parties concerned were properly consulted on the report. The report is available for downloading on the AAIA webpage (www.tlb.gov.hk/aaia/eng/investigation_reports/index.html).
The AAIA, an independent investigation authority formed under the Transport and Logistics Bureau, is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and incidents in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B) and with reference to the ICAO's standards.
Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies
A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.
On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.
Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.
A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.
Source: AI-found images
