A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight, PK-306, en route from Karachi to Lahore, managed to land safely despite losing one of its front tires during the journey. The missing wheel was later located near a remote parking area at Jinnah International Airport, raising concerns about how the tire became detached mid-flight.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) reported that the aircraft’s maintenance crew discovered the dislodged wheel close to the landing gear of a grounded Boeing 777. While the exact point at which the tire detached remains uncertain, officials are examining whether it separated during takeoff, mid-flight, or upon landing.
Reassuring passengers and stakeholders, the PAA confirmed that the incident did not result in any casualties, injuries, or financial losses. The aircraft’s design and the pilots’ expertise ensured a smooth and controlled landing, preventing any disruption at Lahore’s airport.
A PIA spokesperson stated that the Flight Safety Department, in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), has launched a thorough investigation into the occurrence. Authorities are analyzing multiple possibilities, including mechanical failure, an external object striking the wheel, or a potential defect in the airport’s runway infrastructure.
While the precise cause remains undetermined, initial assessments indicate that the aircraft’s robust engineering played a crucial role in enabling a secure landing despite the missing tire. Further investigations will provide clarity on preventive measures to avoid such occurrences in the future.
