HONG KONG: The runway involved in a fatal plane crash has resumed operations after authorities completed salvage work on Monday night.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee confirmed the airport was running normally following the reopening of the affected runway.
Two airport security staff members died when a Boeing cargo plane veered off the northernmost runway during landing on October 20.
The aircraft struck a security patrol car before skidding into the sea in one of the deadliest incidents since the airport opened in 1998.
Authorities stated the deceased security personnel had been positioned in a safe area outside the runway boundary at the time of the accident.
Hong Kong’s air accident investigation authority is now examining crew qualifications, flight operations and maintenance records.
Investigators successfully retrieved the black box flight recorders on Friday night for detailed analysis.
A preliminary investigation report into the crash is expected to be released within one month.
The plane’s crew from Istanbul-based ACT Airlines have remained in Hong Kong since the accident occurred.
American and Turkish civil aviation accident agencies are participating in the investigation alongside Boeing experts.
The incident occurred at the airport’s newest runway, which was part of a 142 billion Hong Kong dollar expansion project completed last year. – AFP
