A Boeing 737 cargo plane carrying five crew members disappeared from radar off the coast of Karachi, Pakistan, on Tuesday night. The aircraft, operated by Karachi-based K2 Airways, lost contact with air traffic control after reporting a navigational system malfunction while en route from Sharjah, UAE, to Karachi.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed that the flight, labeled AP-BOI, reported a navigational issue at 9:18 p.m. local time (4:18 p.m. GMT). Three minutes later, radar data showed the plane rapidly descending before communication was lost about 155 nautical miles (287 km) west of Karachi. Flight tracking service Flightradar24 recorded chaotic altitude changes, including a steep final descent from 36,550 feet to 1,100 feet above sea level in under two minutes.
Deeper Dive & Context
Search and Rescue Efforts
Authorities launched a multi-agency search and rescue operation involving the Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force, and civilian resources. The Pakistan Navy diverted its frigate PNS Zulfiqar to the area, while a Pakistan Air Force aircraft and a merchant vessel were also deployed to assist in the search.
Aviation Expert Analysis
Aviation expert Imran Aslam noted the unusual circumstances of the plane's disappearance, questioning why the aircraft did not glide after experiencing a malfunction. He emphasized the need for a detailed investigation into the incident.
Historical Context
Pakistan has witnessed several severe plane crashes in recent years, including the 2020 crash of an Airbus A320 operated by Pakistan International Airlines near Karachi, which killed 98 people. The country has also experienced military plane crashes, such as the 2019 incident in Rawalpindi.
K2 Airways Response
K2 Airways confirmed it was cooperating with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and other government agencies. The airline shared the names of the five crew members on board and expressed prayers for their safety.
Aircraft History
The 27-year-old Boeing 737 had been operating as a cargo plane with K2 Airways since 2024. Prior to that, it served as a passenger plane with Aeroflot and Garuda Indonesia, and as a cargo plane with TNT Airways and ASL Airlines.