Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has launched a probe after one of its flights, PK 306, touched down at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore with a missing rear wheel, sparking concerns over runway safety and aircraft maintenance. The flight, which originated from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, landed safely on Wednesday, but a post-flight inspection revealed the startling absence of one of its tires, prompting swift action from PIA and aviation authorities.
A PIA spokesperson confirmed that the issue came to light during a routine check after the plane taxied to the gate in Lahore. “One of the rear wheels was found missing,” the spokesperson said, noting that the aircraft had taken off from Karachi with all tires intact and executed a normal landing in Lahore. Despite over 14 hours elapsing since the incident, the missing tire has yet to be located at either airport, deepening the mystery.
Initial clues emerged when Lahore’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) alerted Karachi authorities, leading to the discovery of a tire shaft fragment on the runway at Jinnah International. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) suggested that the incident might stem from an external object striking the runway during takeoff. “Preliminary observations point to a possible impact on the runway at Karachi,” a CAA statement read, though a definitive cause awaits the investigation’s conclusion.
PIA’s Flight Safety Department, in collaboration with the CAA, has launched a thorough inquiry to pinpoint the mishap’s origin. “The final report will reveal the exact reason, but early findings suggest a runway fault or external factor may have dislodged the wheel,” the PIA spokesperson added. A specialized team was dispatched to Lahore to examine the aircraft, while safety and aviation officials began inspecting procedures at both ends of the flight path.
Remarkably, the plane—a Boeing 737, according to sources—completed its journey without incident, underscoring the robustness of its design. “The aircraft’s engineering ensures that a missing wheel does not compromise safety during landing,” the spokesperson reassured, emphasizing that passengers and crew were unharmed and unaware of the issue until after disembarking.
The incident has raised questions about runway maintenance and pre-flight checks, particularly at Karachi, where debris or structural issues could pose risks. Over 120 passengers were aboard PK 306, a routine domestic flight, and while the landing proceeded smoothly, the discovery has jolted PIA as it works to restore public confidence amid ongoing financial and operational challenges.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are combing through maintenance logs, runway conditions, and air traffic data. The missing tire’s whereabouts remain a puzzle—whether it detached mid-flight or was lost on takeoff is a key focus. For now, PIA and the CAA have pledged a transparent probe, with findings expected to shape future safety protocols. Meanwhile, PK 306’s safe arrival stands as a testament to aviation resilience, even as the search for answers continues.
