PIA Investigates Missing Wheel Incident on Karachi-Lahore Flight
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has launched an investigation after Flight PK 306 from Karachi to Lahore landed at Allama Iqbal International Airport without one of its rear wheels.
Key Details:
- Discovery: The missing wheel was noticed during a post-landing inspection at Lahore airport.
- Mystery: Over 14 hours later, the wheel remains missing at both Karachi and Lahore airports.
- Initial Findings: The tire was present at takeoff from Karachi, and the aircraft landed smoothly in Lahore without issues.
- Runway Debris Suspected: Lahore’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) notified PIA about the issue, and a part of the tire shaft was later found at Karachi airport.
- Possible Cause: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) suggests the incident may have been caused by an external object striking the wheel at Karachi’s runway.
Investigation Underway:
- PIA’s Flight Safety Department and CAA have launched a detailed inquiry.
- A PIA team has been dispatched to Lahore to further investigate.
- Aircraft Design Safety: Officials confirm that the aircraft’s structure ensures passenger safety even in such incidents.
Despite the missing wheel, the safe landing of PK 306 showcases the reliability of the aircraft’s engineering and the expertise of the flight crew.
