PIA Plane Crash May 2020: Investigation Report Attributes Mishap to ‘Human Error’

The recently unveiled report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board sheds light on the circumstances leading to the tragic crash of Pakistan International Airline’s (PIA) Airbus A320 almost four years ago in Karachi.

Following an extensive investigation, the report attributes the disaster, which claimed the lives of at least 99 individuals on May 22, 2020, to “human error.” Marked as the third most catastrophic aviation disaster in Pakistan’s history, the incident resulted in the loss of passengers, crew members, and two local residents near the crash site. Only the then chief executive of the Bank of Punjab and a young engineer survived the crash.

According to the findings, the air traffic controller warned the pilot four times about the plane’s extraordinary altitude before landing, yet permitted the landing on the fifth attempt. The report indicates a lack of communication and harmony between the pilots and air traffic controllers.

During the initial landing, the report notes that the pilots were not focused. The landing gears were opened during the approach, but one of the pilots closed them right before landing. Consequently, the plane attempted to land without deploying the landing gears for the first time, leading to the engines striking the runway and igniting flames. The air traffic controller failed to inform the pilots about the engine striking the ground and emitting flames.

Both engines were affected, and the lubricant oil supply system to both engines malfunctioned after the initial impact with the runway. Subsequently, both engines stopped simultaneously.

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The report discloses that data from the plane’s last four minutes could not be recorded due to engine failure cutting the electricity supply. Administrative responsibility for the accident is attributed to PIA and Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority.

The report also notes the absence of clear rules from the Civil Aviation Authority regarding pilots flying while fasting.