KARACHI: A K2 Airways Boeing 737 cargo aircraft carrying five crew members went missing over the Arabian Sea near Ormara while en route from Sharjah to Karachi, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation by Pakistani authorities.
According to officials, Pakistan Navy rescue teams have launched an extensive search operation in the area, while an ATR aircraft departed from Turbat to assist in locating the missing plane. Other relevant agencies have also been mobilised to support the search effort.
FlightRadar data shows that the aircraft, operating as Flight TA1732 from Sharjah to Karachi, was cruising normally at an altitude of 35,000 feet and a speed of approximately 790 kilometres per hour at 9:17pm Pakistan time when it suddenly encountered an emergency.
The aircraft reportedly made an unexpected U-turn before rapidly descending nearly 34,000 feet within five minutes. It was last recorded at an altitude of approximately 1,100 feet and a speed of around 211 kilometres per hour before disappearing from radar. It is learnt the plane flew to Sharjah for repair on June 28.
According to aviation authorities, while flying on airway G216, approximately 150 miles south of Karachi, the crew reported a navigation problem and requested a heading from air traffic control. The aircraft was instructed to maintain its present heading.
At the same time, air traffic controllers observed the aircraft turning to the right while rapidly losing altitude. Several attempts were made to establish communication with the crew, but no response was received.
The aircraft disappeared from radar at approximately 9:21pm Pakistan time while it was about 155 miles southwest of Karachi. Authorities said search and rescue operations remain underway, with the Pakistan Navy and other agencies continuing efforts to locate the aircraft and its crew.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has confirmed the disappearance of the privately operated cargo aircraft. According to the PAA spokesperson, the cargo plane reported a malfunction in its navigation system during the flight. The Karachi Area Control Centre (ACC) immediately provided navigational guidance to the crew in an effort to assist the aircraft. However, shortly afterwards, the aircraft suddenly began losing altitude rapidly while simultaneously changing its heading. It disappeared from radar and all communications were lost simultaneously when it was approximately 155 nautical miles west of Karachi.
Following the incident, the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) was immediately activated, and a maritime search and rescue operation was launched.
According to official sources, the Pakistan Navy has dispatched the warship PNS Zulfiquar to the area where the aircraft is believed to have disappeared. The vessel is heading towards the suspected crash site to assist in the maritime search operation.
Sources added that a Pakistan Air Force Saab surveillance aircraft joined the search mission, providing aerial reconnaissance over the Arabian Sea. Officials also confirmed that the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) merchant vessel “Lahore” has been deployed to support the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
The multi-agency operation, involving the Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Airports Authority and other relevant organisations, continues.
