Missing wheel of PIA flight found at Karachi airport

The missing wheel of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-306 has been recovered from Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.

The wheel was discovered near the remote parking bay close to Asfahani Hangar, confirmed airport authorities.

Technicians from the airport’s wheel shop identified the detached tire near the landing gear of a grounded Boeing 777, later confirming that it belonged to an Airbus A320.

The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) assured that the incident did not result in any casualties or financial loss. However, an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the wheel’s detachment.

The issue was first noticed when PK-306 safely landed at Lahore Airport. A routine post-landing inspection revealed that one of the six main landing gear wheels was missing.

Initially, authorities were uncertain whether the wheel detached during takeoff, mid-flight, or upon landing.

Read: PIA flight lands in Lahore with missing wheel

Following the discovery in Karachi, experts are examining whether a runway fault or external factors contributed to the incident. The CAA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board have initiated a detailed inquiry.