PIA aircraft lands with one wheel missing, investigation launched

LAHORE: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Airbus company has initiated a probe after the PIA’s Flight PK-306 landed at Lahore airport with one of its rear wheels missing.

A national flag carrier spokesperson confirmed that the issue was discovered during a post-landing inspection, revealing that one of the aircraft’s tyres was missing.

The flight left from Karachi for Lahore and upon reaching the Allama Iqbal International Airport it transpired that one of the six rear wheels of the aircraft was missing.

“Passengers disembarked as per regular routine. However, on the walk-around inspection by the flight Captain, it was revealed that one out of the six-wheel assemblies on the main landing gear (rear) is missing,” the spokesperson said.

“As per the standard flight practices the matter was taken up by PIA flight safety and AAIB teams who are in the process of investigating the matter and submitting their report,” the spokesperson said.

The Flight has made a smooth landing and has not caused any harm to the passengers, the aircraft’s design ensured that the landing remained safe and smooth.

According to sources, the Airbus company has contacted PIA and sought a comprehensive report on the aircraft’s technical aspects. The company has requested a complete report on the registered Airbus aircraft, including a three-month flight data record and a checklist.

The company has also asked for a report on the plane’s landing gear and other relevant details.