‘We lost an engine’: PIA plane pilot calmly tells ATC moments before crash | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

‘We lost an engine’: PIA plane pilot calmly tells ATC moments before crash

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | Byhindustantimes.com | Posted by Arpan Rai
May 22, 2020 11:19 PM IST

“We have lost an engine…. Mayday, Mayday, Mayday,” the PIA pilot is heard calmly telling the traffic controllers who told him to land on any of the two runways that had been left open for him.

Sajjad Gul, the pilot of the Pakistan International Airline plane that crashed near Karachi airport on Friday afternoon, told air traffic controllers moments before crashing into a residential area that he had lost an engine, according to audio tapes of his last conversation played by news channel ARY.

A firefighter tries to put out fire caused by PK-8330 Pakistan International Airline (PIA) aircraft crash in Karachi, Pakistan, Friday, May 22, 2020.(AP)
A firefighter tries to put out fire caused by PK-8330 Pakistan International Airline (PIA) aircraft crash in Karachi, Pakistan, Friday, May 22, 2020.(AP)

The plane had taken off from Lahore airport with 99 passengers a little after 1 pm.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Sajjad Gul, described by Pakistan Airline Pilots Association as one of its most experienced members, had made one aborted landing attempt before reporting the technical problem that he faced, according to local media reports.

“We have lost an engine…. Mayday, Mayday, Mayday,” the pilot is heard calmly telling the traffic controllers who told him to land on any of the two runways that had been left open for him.

 

Also read: Pakistan plane, about to land, crashes near Karachi; 99 on board

The pilot, however, went for a go-around, said PIA chief executive officer Air Vice Marshal Arshad Malik. Communication between the ATC and the plane snapped soon after.

Watch l Pakistan Airlines plane crashes in Karachi, rescue ops underway 

There are no immediate reports on the number of casualties. News agency AP quoted Karachi Mayor saying there were no survivors but there were multiple people on social media who contradicted this claim.

Geo News said the plane had come down among houses at the Jinnah Garden area near Model Colony in Malir. Local television reports showed visuals of plumes of smoke that could be seen from a distance.

PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez said there were 91 passengers and seven crew on board the flight, which lost contact with air traffic control just after 2.30 pm, news agency AFP said.

Also read: 3 amateur videos capture moments after Pak plane crashes near Karachi

On the ground, rescue workers and local residents pulled people from the debris, as firefighters tried to put out the flames. “I heard a big bang and woke up to people calling for the fire brigade,” said Karachi resident Mudassar Ali.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was “shocked and saddened” by the crash, tweeting that he was in touch with the airline’s chief executive.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On