PIA finds missing Airbus A320 wheel; multiple investigations underway

"The missing wheel of PK-306 has been located successfully. The wheel was found near the remote parking bay of Karachi's Jinnah International Airport, adjacent to the Ispahani Hangar," a spokesperson for the Pakistan Aviation Authority (PAA) said on Friday. "Technicians from the airport's wheel shop discovered the tire next to the landing gear of a grounded Boeing 777. "

Airbus also contacted PIA regarding the rear wheel detachment, according to Pakistan's 24 News. Airbus has requested a report from PIA on aircraft AP-BLS, as well as three months' flying data record, a comprehensive checklist, and technical reports about state and repair of landing gear system. The manufacturer has started its own technical inquiry into incident.

There was chance that A320 aircraft's wheel may have come loose during takeoff and fallen off at Isphani Hanger, an anonymous official source told Dawn. "Had required inspection by engineering team properly conducted, plane might not be cleared for departure,” official said.

The official source mentioned that while it appears to be serious mistake by PIA's maintenance team, a wheel coming off during takeoff is not unheard of. Some foreign airlines have had similar incidents too.

Flight Aware data shows that airplane took off at Karachi around 20:00 and landed at Lahore at 21:17 arriving ahead schedule by twenty-eight minutes.

The government announced earlier this month that it would finish all procedures required to privatize Pakistan International Airlines Corporation in three months following decision made after addressing concerns raised by interested parties willing buy national flag carrier developing new roadmap making PIA more attractive prospective buyers expected complete stages process within stipulated time frame said government according Dawn.