The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) late last night retrieved the Flight Data Recorder and the Cockpit Voice Recorder, commonly known as the "black boxes" from the B744 cargo aircraft which ditched into the sea on Monday. 

The cargo aircraft had arrived from Al Maktoum International Airport, United Arab Emirates, deviated from the North Runway of Hong Kong International Airport after landing and ditched into the sea.

There is water ingress into the two "black boxes". The AAIA has sent the devices to a laboratory for preliminary examination to determine the next course of action.

Experts will conduct an in-depth analysis of the collected data, including reconstructing the sequence of events through the data from the "black boxes", interviews with relevant personnel, laboratory findings, examination of the aircraft wreckage, aircraft operating procedures, aircraft system status and maintenance records, weather conditions, and other relevant factors, to prepare a report.

The AAIA said it will release a preliminary investigation report within one month and continue to conduct a thorough and rigorous investigation to determine the sequence of events and causes of the accident, as well as to propose safety recommendations to enhance aviation safety.

Pursuant to Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the investigation into the accident is being led by the AAIA, which is also responsible for the dissemination of information. 

Meanwhile, notifications have been issued to the State of Registry, the State of the Operator, the State of Design and the State of Manufacture of the aircraft in accordance with Annex 13. 

Investigative authorities from these countries have appointed accredited representatives and experts to participate in the investigation and provide professional advice. 

Personnel from the National Transportation Safety Board of the US and the Transport Safety Investigation Center of Türkiye have arrived in Hong Kong, while experts from Boeing are also participating.