Fire warning on PIA flight triggers emergency landing

Madina-bound flight safely diverted back to Karachi Airport's runway

KARACHI:

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Karachi to Madina encountered a fire warning in one of its engines shortly after take-off on Saturday, prompting an emergency landing.

According to sources, a Boeing 777 aircraft, operating as flight PK-743 from Karachi's Jinnah Terminal Airport to Madina, encountered a warning signal indicating a fire in the engine soon after departing.

The captain, responding swiftly, attempted to manage the situation using the onboard fire extinguishing system.

As a safety precaution, one of the engines was shut down, and an emergency was declared for a runway landing.

Requesting immediate assistance, the captain contacted air traffic controllers, seeking permission for an emergency landing. Subsequently, the aircraft was safely diverted back to Karachi Airport's runway.

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Upon the plane's landing, a prompt response from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and PIA Engineering teams ensued. Despite the initial concern, subsequent inspections conducted by PIA Engineering and CAA Air Ordnance found no evidence of an actual fire.

PIA's spokesperson confirmed receiving a fire warning in one of the engines following the departure of PIA flight PK-743 from Karachi to Madina. As per protocol, the fire suppression system was used, necessitating the aircraft's return to Karachi.

He said that standard procedures following such an event include conducting tests on the captain.

While 92 passengers opted to get off the plane and return home, the remaining passengers were accommodated in hotels.

Initially scheduled for a 5:30 pm departure from Madina, the flight was delayed by four hours, taking off at 9:30 pm. Due to the aircraft's unresolved issue, an alternate aircraft facilitated the rescheduled flight from Karachi to Madina.