The wheel that went missing from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK 306 from Karachi to Lahore has finally been recovered from Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. The wheel was found near the Isfahani Hangar, near the airport’s remote parking bay.
The airport’s wheel shop technicians identified the 320 aircraft tire lying near the landing gear of the grounded Boeing 777 aircraft.
The Pakistan Aviation Authority has confirmed that no casualties or damage were reported due to the wheel detachment. However, an investigation has been launched into the unusual incident to determine its exact causes.
What is the Inside Story?
Everything seemed normal at Lahore Airport. PIA flight PK 306 from Karachi had landed safely. Passengers were disembarking, luggage was being unloaded, and airport staff were busy with their daily routines. But then, suddenly, a revelation came that surprised everyone.
When the plane was inspected after landing, it was found that one of the six wheels of the main landing gear was missing. This surprising discovery raised many questions. Did the wheel fall off somewhere during the flight? Or was it missing before departure from Karachi Airport, and no one noticed? If so, why did no one point it out?
The news spread quickly. Speculations started on social media, and people started asking questions about how this could have happened. Was it the result of a technical glitch, or was there a lack of maintenance?
According to a PIA spokesperson, the plane landed safely, and the design of the plane takes into account such a possible situation so that there is no danger during the flight. However, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Air Accidents Investigation Board have launched an inquiry to investigate the incident in depth.
How did this wheel disappear?
According to initial investigations, it was being suggested that the wheel was affected by a possible fault on the Karachi runway or some other external process. But the question is, is this the first time this has happened, or have such incidents happened in the past?
In 2022, a PIA plane in Karachi experienced a technical fault during landing, but due to the skill of the crew, no damage was caused.
Earlier in 2020, a plane was in danger due to a malfunction in the landing gear of a flight in Islamabad, but the crew kept the situation under control.
In 2018, a plane’s tire was severely damaged during a landing.
What do experts say?
A senior member of the national airline’s Pilots Association said on condition of anonymity that the incident is certainly worrisome, but the plane has such safety options that even if a wheel is damaged, the plane can land safely.
He added that Civil Aviation and other relevant agencies are investigating the incident, but the surprising thing is that the plane is thoroughly inspected before the flight, and its report is given to the pilot. Despite this, if such an incident has occurred, it requires further investigation.’
Senior journalist Tariq Abul Hasan said, ‘It is fortunate that the other wheels of the plane were in place, and the landing was safe. However, the incident has raised serious questions about PIA’s maintenance system.
Will PIA be able to save its reputation?
PIA has been in the news in the past due to financial crisis, delays, and technical problems. In such a situation, this incident of the missing wheel may raise more questions. Now, all eyes are on the final report of the investigation that will reveal the real reasons for the incident.
Also Read This:
