What happened
On May 22, 2020, at 13:05 local time, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK8303, an Airbus A320-214 with registration AP-BLD, crashed in a populated area shortly before reaching runway 25L at Jinnah International Airport (JIAP) in Karachi. The aircraft was on approach to the airport when it lost contact and impacted the ground. Of the 97 fatalities among the 99 souls on board, the incident resulted in significant loss of life.
The investigation
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) of Pakistan initiated an inquiry into the crash, acknowledging assistance from international bodies including France's Bureau of Enquiries and Analysis (BEA), the US National Transport Safety Board (NTSB), and technical advisors from EASA, Airbus, Safran Engines, and General Electric. The investigation involved extensive collaboration through teleconferences, joint meetings, and physical visits to PIA facilities, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and the crash site. Participants analyzed flight data recorders, cockpit voice recordings, CCTV footage, engine components, and operational performance data. The AAIB also reviewed PIA's safety management systems, crew resource management training, maintenance records, and air traffic control procedures.
Findings
The interim statement confirms that the aircraft crashed in a populated area short of the runway but does not detail specific causal factors or contributing elements in this summary. The investigation was ongoing at the time of publication, with further analysis planned to formulate conclusions and safety recommendations.