Tiger 66
I was based in HKG at the time of this accident and I recall much was made of the attempt by the ATC involved to "fit in" with what some believed to be the less "formal" RT phraseology used by many US crews. That no one, including the ATC, picked up on the incorrect read back of the clearance by the Captain was certainly a contributing factor. Also, the First Officer who was the handling pilot did not have an approach plate to refer to. Had he had an approach plate he would certainly have been made aware of the MSA in the area and the MDA for the NDB approach.