Overview
• Operator: Cathay Pacific Cargo
• Aircraft Model: Boeing 747-400 Freighter
• Registration: B-LIF
• Flight Number: CX-3719
• Route: Hong Kong (HKG) to Singapore (SIN)
• Date: 22 February 2025
• Occupants: Not specified
• Casualties: None reported
• Nature of Incident: Suspected hydraulic failure requiring return to departure airport
Incident Summary
A Cathay Pacific Boeing 747-400 freighter, operating flight CX-3719 from Hong Kong to Singapore, was climbing out of runway 07R when the crew stopped the climb at FL110 due to a suspected hydraulic failure.
The crew entered a holding pattern, performed a fuel dump, and returned to Hong Kong for a safe landing on runway 07R approximately 50 minutes after departure.
The aircraft remains on the ground in Hong Kong approximately 38 hours after landing, undergoing inspections and potential repairs.
Sequence of Events
Pre-incident Conditions:
• The aircraft departed from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) on runway 07R, with no reported anomalies before takeoff.
In-flight Occurrence:
• While climbing through FL110, the crew received indications of a hydraulic system failure.
• The decision was made to halt the climb and enter a holding pattern to assess the situation.
• As part of standard procedures, the crew initiated a fuel dump to reduce landing weight before returning to Hong Kong.
Landing & Emergency Response:
• The aircraft performed a safe landing on runway 07R approximately 50 minutes after departure.
• Emergency services were on standby, but no immediate issues were reported upon landing.
• The aircraft taxied to a maintenance area for further inspection.
Investigation & Initial Findings
• The exact nature of the hydraulic failure is under investigation, with potential causes including:
• Leak or loss of hydraulic fluid, affecting control surfaces, gear operation, or braking.
• Failure of hydraulic pumps or lines, leading to system degradation.
• Faulty sensor readings triggering false warnings, requiring troubleshooting before clearance for flight.
• The aircraft remains on the ground, suggesting that extensive maintenance checks or repairs are being carried out.
Analysis & Safety Recommendations
• Routine hydraulic system inspections should be emphasized, particularly for aging aircraft such as the Boeing 747-400 fleet.
• Crew response and fuel dumping procedures were executed efficiently, ensuring a safe return without unnecessary risk.
• Post-incident maintenance should include full hydraulic system diagnostics, checking for potential recurring issues across the fleet.
• Regulators and maintenance teams may issue advisories if similar failures occur on other aircraft of the same type.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 24 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
