Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has launched an investigation after flight PK-306, traveling from Karachi to Lahore, landed at Allama Iqbal International Airport without one of its wheels.
A PIA spokesperson confirmed that the issue came to light during a post-landing inspection, revealing that one of the rear tires was missing. Despite over 14 hours passing since the aircraft’s arrival, the missing wheel has not been found at either Karachi or Lahore airports.
Reports indicate that the aircraft had all its tires intact during takeoff from Karachi and completed a normal landing in Lahore. However, following a notification from Lahore’s Air Traffic Control (ATC), a section of the tire shaft was later discovered at Karachi airport.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) suggested that the incident might have been caused by an external object striking the runway in Karachi. PIA’s Flight Safety Department, in collaboration with the CAA, has initiated a formal inquiry to determine the exact cause.
While the final report is awaited, initial assessments suggest the wheel may have been damaged due to a runway-related issue or another external factor. However, aviation authorities assured that the aircraft’s design ensures passenger safety even in such situations.
A PIA investigation team has been dispatched to Lahore, while aviation safety officials continue their examination of the unusual occurrence.
