Cathay Pacific pilots selected wrong radio frequency before NATO jets intercepted flight, investigation finds

An investigation by Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department found that a Cathay Pacific flight intercepted by two Hungarian NATO fighter jets over Romanian airspace on July 4 had selected the wrong radio frequency. The CX257 flight, bound for London Heathrow from Hong Kong, “experienced a loss of communication” with local air traffic control after the pilots mistakenly responded to instructions intended for another aircraft. According to the statement dated Aug. 14, the incorrect frequency selection came from that mistaken response. The report said the crew did not realize the communications loss afterward, even though the aircraft’s communication equipment operated normally.