CATHAY flight CPA780 declared “MAYDAY” when approaching Hong Kong International Airport (VHHH) with control problem on both engines. The aircraft landed at a groundspeed of 231 knots, with No. 1 engine stuck at about 70 % N1 and No. 2 stuck at about 17 % N1. Five main tyres were deflated after the aircraft came to a complete stop on Runway 07L of VHHH.

57 passengers and six cabin crew were injured during the evacuation

After being advised by the rescue leader that there was fire and smoke on the wheels, the Commander initiated an emergency evacuation of passengers. A total of 57 passengers and six cabin crew were injured during the evacuation. Most of them sustained minor injuries and were given medical treatment immediately at the airport. Ten of them were sent to hospitals for medical treatment with one passenger suffered from bone fracture and ankle joint dislocation. Before departure for VHHH, the accident aircraft had uplifted 24,400 kg of fuel at Juanda International Airport, Surabaya, Indonesia (WARR).

Deflated types of Cathay Pacific Airways A330-342 (B-HLL) – flight CPA780

The accident was caused by fuel contamination. The contaminated fuel, which contained SAP spheres, uplifted at WARR subsequently caused the loss of thrust control on both engines of the aircraft during approach to VHHH.

The following chain of events and circumstances had led to the uplift of contaminated fuel to CPA780:

— The re-commissioning of the hydrant refuelling system after the hydrant extension work in WARR had not completely removed all contaminants in the affected hydrant refuelling circuit. Salt water remained in the affected hydrant refuelling circuit.
— The re-commissioning of the hydrant refuelling system after the hydrant extension work in WARR was not properly coordinated which led to the premature resumption of the hydrant refuelling operations while the hydrant system still contained contaminant.
— The refuelling operation in WARR, in particular low flow-rate refuelling, DP recording and monitoring, did not fully comply with the international fuel industry latest guidance.
— A number of unscheduled filter monitors replacements after the premature resumption of hydrant refuelling operation were not investigated by the fuel supplier and hydrant operator at WARR.
— The unusual vibration observed during the refuelling of CPA780 was not stopped immediately and properly investigated by the fuel supplier personnel.

The investigation also identified the following deficiencies and contributing factors that may cause possible fuel contamination:
— There were no established international civil aviation requirements for oversight and quality control on aviation fuel supply at airports.
— There were no established international civil aviation requirements for refuel operational procedures and associated training for aviation fuel supply personnel.
— The manual monitoring of DP changes in a fuelling dispenser during refuelling was not effective.