The missing wheel of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Airbus A320, registered as AP-BLS, has been located at Karachi Airport, officials confirmed today.
The discovery comes three days after the aircraft, operating as Flight PK-306, made a safe but unusual landing at Lahore Airport without one of its rear wheels on March 12.
The incident had raised significant concerns after the aircraft landed in Lahore, and it was discovered that a wheel from the main landing gear was missing. Despite extensive searches, the wheel’s whereabouts remained unknown until it was found at Karachi Airport, where the flight had originated. Authorities believe the wheel detached during takeoff or initial ascent, though the exact cause is still under investigation.
PIA officials expressed relief at the recovery of the wheel, stating that it will aid in the ongoing technical investigation being conducted by both PIA and Airbus.
The aircraft manufacturer had earlier requested detailed reports, including flight data records and landing gear system analyses, to determine how the wheel became dislodged.
Read More: Rear Wheel Vanishes: Airbus Probes PIA A320 Emergency Landing
Meanwhile, the Board of Safety Investigation continues its independent probe into the incident, focusing on safety protocols and potential technical malfunctions.
The discovery of the wheel is expected to provide critical insights into the sequence of events that led to the emergency landing.
PIA has assured the public that it is fully cooperating with all investigations and remains committed to ensuring the highest safety standards for its passengers.
The airline also praised the crew of Flight PK-306 for their professionalism in handling the situation, which resulted in a safe landing despite the missing wheel.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to address any underlying issues to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Read More: PIA flight PK-308 lands with rear wheel missing
The recovery of the missing wheel marks a significant step forward in understanding what went wrong and how to improve aviation safety moving forward.
