Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Flight PK-306, an Airbus A320, landed safely in Lahore after departing from Karachi, only for a post-flight inspection to reveal that one of its six main landing gear wheels was missing. Remarkably, neither the flight crew nor the passengers were aware of the issue, as the aircraft completed its landing and taxiing without any complications.
Following the discovery, an investigation was launched by PIA’s Flight Safety Department in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Initial findings indicate that fragments of the wheel assembly were recovered on the departure runway in Karachi, though the wheel itself remains missing. Experts suggest that foreign object debris (FOD) on the runway might have contributed to the wheel’s detachment. Fortunately, the Airbus A320’s design ensures that it can land safely even in such scenarios, preventing any immediate risk to passenger safety.
This incident raises concerns about runway maintenance and aircraft inspections, prompting authorities to conduct a thorough review to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As aviation safety remains a top priority, PIA and CAA are committed to enhancing operational checks to maintain high safety standards in air travel.
