Aircraft crash in Arabian Sea involving Afghan delegation

8 fatalities • Karachi-Muhammad Ali Jinnah-Quaid-e-Azam, Pakistan • Takeoff (climb)

An Afghan government charter flight disappeared from radar and crashed in the Arabian Sea during its climb from Karachi.

What happened

A twin engine aircraft, operating on behalf of the Afghan Government, was transporting a high-level delegation from Karachi to Kabul. Shortly after departing from Karachi-Quaid-e-Azam Airport, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 9,000 feet before entering an uncontrolled descent. As the plane descended to 2,500 feet, it vanished from radar tracking.

The wreckage was eventually located in the Arabian Sea, a short distance from the coast. During the recovery efforts, investigators discovered that the stabilizers and the tail section had separated from the primary wreckage and were found several hundred meters away. The accident resulted in eight fatalities, with no survivors reported among the passengers or crew.

Findings

While the specific mechanical or operational triggers for the descent were not detailed, the aircraft experienced a loss of control during the climb phase. The separation of the tail assembly from the main fuselage was a notable feature of the wreckage distribution.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and lost structural integrity during the climb phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-02-24 Cessna 402 accident near Karachi-Muhammad Ali Jinnah-Quaid-e-Azam, Pakistan?

An Afghan government charter flight disappeared from radar and crashed in the Arabian Sea during its climb from Karachi.

Were there any fatalities in the 2003-02-24 Cessna 402 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-02-24 involved a Cessna 402, registration AP-BFG, operated by Edhi Air Ambulance, at Karachi-Muhammad Ali Jinnah-Quaid-e-Azam, Pakistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and lost structural integrity during the climb phase.

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