Air India 787 Makes Go-Around in Hong Kong After ILS Failure
Air India Boeing 787 Incident at Hong Kong: AAIA Investigation Report Reveals Key Findings
On October 20, 2018, a serious incident involving an Air India (AI) Boeing 787-8 aircraft at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) has garnered attention following the release of Investigation Report IVR-2025-02 by the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA). This report outlines critical safety issues that emerged during the aircraft’s approach from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
During its descent, the aircraft experienced rapid altitude changes, triggering multiple alerts before executing a go-around at just 280 feet radio altitude, approximately 2.6 nautical miles from the runway. Understanding the events of this incident is crucial for enhancing aviation safety protocols.
Key Findings from the Air India 787 Incident
The investigation pinpointed the primary cause of the incident as fluctuations in the Instrument Landing System (ILS) glideslope signal. This malfunction led to an undesired pitch-down maneuver, causing the aircraft to deviate below its intended flight path.
Contributing Factors
- Technical Malfunction: The ILS signal fluctuations destabilized the approach.
- Crew Response: Delays in recovery actions from the flight crew exacerbated the situation, resulting in an unsafe descent to a critically low altitude.
After executing a go-around maneuver, the crew ultimately succeeded in landing the aircraft on their second attempt without further incident.
Safety Recommendations for Air India
Following the investigation, the AAIA issued three specific safety recommendations aimed at improving operational protocols for Air India. These recommendations are expected to focus on:
- Procedural Improvements: Modifications to standard operating procedures during critical flight phases.
- Crew Training Enhancements: Advanced training programs for flight crews to better handle ILS anomalies.
- Technical Response Protocols: Guidelines for immediate actions when encountering technical malfunctions.
AAIA’s Commitment to Safety
The investigation adhered to international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring thoroughness and accuracy. An AAIA spokesperson stated, “The objective of the investigation was to identify the circumstances and causes of the serious incident to prevent a recurrence.” This commitment to safety aligns with global aviation principles that prioritize accident prevention.
The complete investigation report is now publicly available for download on the AAIA webpage, providing valuable insights and transparency for the global aviation community.
Conclusion
The AAIA operates as an independent authority under the Transport and Logistics Bureau of Hong Kong, tasked with investigating civil aircraft accidents in compliance with local and international regulations. The findings from the Air India 787 incident underscore the importance of continuous improvement in aviation safety measures.
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For further reading, check the AAIA official webpage for updates or delve into ICAO’s safety standards for a broader understanding of global aviation practices.
