PIA Launches Inquiry After Flight Lands in Lahore Without Rear Wheel

Lahore: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has initiated an investigation after Flight PK-306, arriving from Karachi, landed at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport without one of its rear wheels.

A PIA spokesperson confirmed that the issue was identified during a post-landing inspection, revealing that one of the aircraft’s tyres was missing, The News reported. Despite more than 14 hours passing since the flight’s arrival, the missing wheel has yet to be found at either Karachi or Lahore airports.

Reports indicate that the aircraft had all its wheels intact at takeoff from Karachi and landed normally in Lahore. Following a notification from Lahore’s Air Traffic Control (ATC), a part of the tyre shaft was later discovered at Karachi airport.

According to a preliminary statement from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the incident may have been caused by an external object striking the runway in Karachi.

While the final report is awaited, initial assessments suggest that a runway fault or another external factor may have affected the missing wheel, the PIA spokesperson stated. However, the aircraft’s design ensured a safe and smooth landing despite the issue.

A PIA investigation team has been dispatched to Lahore, and aviation safety authorities have also launched a formal inquiry into the incident.