What happened
On 12 February 2018, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Airbus A320-214, registration AP-BLU, was operating a scheduled passenger flight from Karachi to Sialkot. During the approach to Sialkot International Airport, the crew experienced a temporary weather radar failure, which they successfully recovered by recycling the system. Due to prevailing thunderstorm and rain conditions, the crew executed a go-around and intended to perform a circling approach.
While climbing through 8,000 feet, the aircraft was struck by lightning. The crew subsequently requested a diversion to Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore. During the approach to Lahore, the aircraft encountered several significant malfunctions, including the failure of the autopilot, auto-thrust, and flight directors. Additionally, the aircraft's airspeed exceeded the limits for landing gear retraction, leaving the gear extended.
Unable to diagnose the multiple system failures or manage the gear retraction, the captain requested assistance from another A320 captain who was traveling as a passenger on the same flight. This second pilot assisted in diagnosing the failures and managing the gear retraction process. The aircraft eventually diverted again and landed safely at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.
The investigation
The investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board of Pakistan examined the sequence of events, the meteorological conditions, and the crew's response to the emergencies. Investigators reviewed the damage sustained by the aircraft, which included extensive burn marks, pitting on the fuselage and wings, and damage to various antennas, probes, and flight control tips. The investigation also assessed the professional knowledge and situational awareness of the flight crew during the period of multiple system failures.