Accident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft operating a charter flight for the Afghan government crashed into the Arabian Sea shortly after departing from Karachi-Quaid-e-Azam Airport. The aircraft was carrying a delegation from Karachi to Kabul. According to the official investigation, the aircraft climbed to an altitude of 9,000 feet before entering an uncontrolled descent. At approximately 2,500 feet, the aircraft disappeared from radar screens and subsequently crashed a few kilometers offshore.
Wreckage and Casualties
The stabilizers and tail section of the aircraft were discovered several hundred meters from the main wreckage. All eight occupants were killed in the crash. Among the victims were Juma Mohammad Mohammadi, the Afghan Minister of Industry, four other members of his cabinet, and one Chinese businessman.
Probable Cause
The Pakistan board of investigations determined that the probable cause of the accident was a structural failure due to overload. At the time of the accident, the aircraft's weight was 7,183 lbs, exceeding the maximum load of 6,300 lbs specified in the operational manual by 883 lbs. Investigators concluded that during the climb, the tail and stabilizers detached under the overload conditions, leading to the loss of control.