Incident Overview
During an approach to Quetta, the flight crew encountered a malfunction when the nose gear failed to extend and remained locked in its wheel well. The captain initiated a go-around and decided to return to Karachi International Airport.
Attempts to Lower Gear
After returning to Karachi, the crew performed several manual attempts to lower the nose gear, but these efforts were unsuccessful.
Landing and Aftermath
The crew ultimately elected to land with the nose gear retracted. Upon touchdown, the aircraft slid on its nose for several hundred yards before coming to a stop. All 79 occupants evacuated without injuries. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a failure of the nose gear that remained stuck in its wheel well for unknown reasons.