HONG KONG — Authorities in Hong Kong have successfully recovered the black box flight recorders from a Boeing cargo plane that crashed earlier this week, killing two security personnel. The incident occurred on Monday morning when the aircraft veered off the runway during landing, collided with a security patrol vehicle, and ultimately skidded into the sea.

The crash is considered one of the most serious aviation incidents at Hong Kong International Airport since its opening in 1998. Officials confirmed that the two victims were positioned outside the runway area at the time, highlighting the extraordinary circumstances of the accident.

Recovery Efforts and Salvage Operations

Airport Authority Hong Kong announced on Saturday that investigators have salvaged one of the aircraft’s engines, its landing gear, and the crucial flight data recorders. These black boxes are essential for reconstructing the events leading up to the crash, including flight paths, mechanical performance, and cockpit communications.

The city’s Transport and Logistics Bureau has pledged to release a preliminary investigation report within one month. This report will provide early insights into the potential causes of the accident, safety lapses, and recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

International Investigation and Support

The investigation is being supported by multiple international agencies. Experts from the United States and Turkey’s civil aviation accident investigation authorities, as well as Boeing engineers, are assisting Hong Kong officials in the technical and operational review.

The cargo plane involved in the crash was operated by Act Airlines, an Istanbul-headquartered carrier, and was on a short-term lease to Emirates Airlines at the time of the incident.

Implications for Aviation Safety

This accident underscores the ongoing need for rigorous safety measures in global air cargo operations, especially in high-traffic hubs like Hong Kong International Airport. Authorities are expected to evaluate airport runway safety, emergency response protocols, and aircraft maintenance records as part of the investigation.

Preliminary findings are highly anticipated by the aviation community, both to honor the victims and to ensure that similar tragedies can be avoided in the future.