The final investigation report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board sheds light on the tragic events surrounding the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Airbus A320 crash that occurred almost four years ago. This report attributes the catastrophe, which resulted in the loss of at least 99 lives on May 22, 2020, primarily to “human error.”
According to the detailed findings, the accident was precipitated by a series of critical errors and miscommunications between the flight crew and air traffic controllers.
The report reveals that the pilot received four warnings from the air traffic controller regarding the aircraft’s unusually high altitude during the landing approach. Despite these warnings, the aircraft was cleared for landing on the fifth attempt, indicating a breakdown in communication and coordination between the pilots and the ground control team.
During the initial landing approach, a critical mistake occurred when one of the pilots inadvertently retracted the landing gear, leading to the engines making contact with the runway surface. This contact resulted in a fire igniting, further exacerbating the situation.
The report highlights that the air traffic controller failed to notify the pilots about the engine striking the ground and emitting flames, which could have prompted corrective action.
The consequences of this error cascade were severe, with both engines sustaining damage. The report details how the lubricant oil supply system to both engines malfunctioned following the impact with the runway, ultimately causing both engines to fail simultaneously. Compounding the situation, the loss of engine power led to the cessation of the aircraft’s electrical supply, preventing the recording of crucial flight data in the final minutes leading up to the crash.
In addition to human error, the report also highlights systemic issues within PIA and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that contributed to the accident. It notes deficiencies in adherence to flight safety protocols, including inadequate flight data analysis procedures and unclear regulations regarding fasting pilots during Ramadan.
The tragic incident, occurring during the fasting period of Ramadan, involved flight PK 8303 from Lahore to Karachi. Out of the 99 individuals on board, including passengers and crew, only two passengers miraculously survived the crash. Furthermore, the impact claimed the lives of two individuals on the ground in Karachi’s Model Town area.
The investigation report provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors leading to the PIA Airbus A320 crash, emphasizing the critical importance of effective communication, adherence to safety protocols, and rigorous oversight in ensuring aviation safety.
