Final Report Reveals ‘Human Error’ Behind PIA Plane Crash Four Years Ago

The final investigation report into the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight crash nearly four years ago attributed the tragedy to “human error” and a lack of communication between the pilots and air-traffic controllers, according to a recent media report. The crash, which occurred on May 22, 2020, involved a PIA Airbus A320 flying from Lahore to Karachi, claiming the lives of 99 passengers and crew members, as well as two individuals on the ground, with only two survivors.

Released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board, the report indicated that the pilot had been warned four times about the plane’s altitude by the air traffic controller before attempting to land, highlighting a breakdown in communication and coordination between the pilots and controllers. Additionally, the investigation found that during the first landing attempt, the pilots failed to deploy the landing gear, causing the engines to strike the runway and ignite a fire, with no warning provided by the air traffic controller.

Furthermore, the report revealed that both engines stopped functioning after striking the runway, as the lubricant oil supply system failed, preventing the recording of the plane’s last four minutes of data due to the loss of electrical power. The report also placed administrative responsibility on PIA and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), noting the absence of clear rules regarding pilots flying while fasting.