Karachi: A Boeing 737 cargo aircraft operated by K2 Airways disappeared from radar late Tuesday night while flying over the Arabian Sea near Ormara, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation by Pakistani naval and air forces.
Sudden Descent Before Disappearance
According to FlightRadar data, the aircraft — operating as Flight KTA-1732 — was flying normally at 35,000 feet and a speed of 790 km/h toward its destination at 9:17 p.m. when it suddenly encountered unusual circumstances. The flight made an abrupt U-turn and, over the following five minutes, descended roughly 34,000 feet, reaching an altitude of just 1,100 feet and a speed of 211 km/h before vanishing from radar entirely.
The aircraft, a 27-year-old Boeing 737-400 registered AP-BOI, disappeared approximately 155 nautical miles west of Karachi. Radar and radio contact were lost simultaneously.
No Mayday Call Issued, Says Air Traffic Controller
According to an air traffic controller, the pilot of the missing aircraft did not transmit a Mayday distress call before contact was lost. Officials believe the emergency may have developed so suddenly that the crew did not have an opportunity to issue one.
Navigation Malfunction Reported Before Loss of Contact
A spokesperson for the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) confirmed that the privately operated cargo aircraft was en route from Sharjah to Karachi when its crew reported a malfunction in the aircraft’s navigation system. Shortly afterward, the aircraft suddenly descended and changed course before disappearing from radar.
Five crew members were on board at the time of the incident. According to the flight’s General Declaration, they were:
- Captain: Muhammad Rizwan Idris
- First Officer: Faisal Mahmood Jatoi
- Loadmaster: Muhammad Taufiq Khan
- Aircraft Engineer: Muhammad Hamid
- Aircraft Engineer: Muhammad Arif Siddiqui
Search and Rescue Operation Underway
Fearing the aircraft may have crashed into the sea, Pakistani authorities activated a large-scale search and rescue operation. The Pakistan Navy has dispatched warships PNS Zulfiqar and PNS Hunain to the affected area, while a Pakistan Air Force Saab surveillance aircraft is also taking part in the search. A Pakistan Navy ATR aircraft has flown from Turbat to join the aerial search, and the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation’s vessel Lahore has been assigned to assist.
The Edhi Foundation has also joined the effort, dispatching its maritime rescue team from Karachi. According to the foundation’s spokesperson, its Piper Seneca aircraft (registration AP-BFM) is scheduled to depart with the rescue team on Wednesday morning.
Aircraft Had Just Returned From Repairs in Sharjah
Sources say the missing aircraft had previously been sent to Sharjah for repairs after developing a technical fault, remaining there for five days before departing on a ferry flight back to Karachi without cargo. The maintenance work in Sharjah was reportedly carried out by North Technologies, a company said to be owned by a former aviation adviser.
The search and rescue operation is ongoing, with no official word yet on the fate of the aircraft or its crew.