Securing and removing the cargo plane that crashed after veering off its path at Hong Kong’s airport and killing two security workers will take at least two days, while investigations into the accident are expected to last up to a year, aviation experts have said.

Louis Szeto Ka-sing, a specialist in vessel design and maintenance, said on Friday that the first step in salvaging the cargo plane was to determine whether the two halves of the aircraft remained partially connected underwater.

He said authorities were likely to send divers to conduct a risk assessment of the wreckage underwater.

“Taking photos and videos underwater can record any damage, or wear and tear,” said Szeto, who is also the former chairman of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers’ mechanical, marine, naval architecture and chemical division.

“It helps the crew know how to secure the slings and where to place them. If the secured position is too close to a fracture point, they need to work more cautiously to avoid damage.”

He added during a radio programme that it was crucial to determine if the plane’s fuel is completely depleted, as leaks could occur and pollute the environment.