Lahore crash-landing: Shaheen Air pilot was intoxicated, says report

Official says pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.83 at the time plane made a crash landing

The pilot of Shaheen Air International flight NL-142, which crash landed at Lahore airport last week, was intoxicated and fatigued at the time of landing, a medical report reveals.

“The allowed blood alcohol concentration alcohol level for pilots is 0.03 but the pilot’s was 0.83 at the time,” the official said.

The revelation came during a meeting chaired by CAA Director General Amjad Ali Toor.



Although a final report is yet to be issued in this regard, the official said initial reports suggested the pilot was exhausted and intoxicated. “He was not well rested either,” the official added.

During the meeting, which included representatives of Pakistan International Airlines, Shaheen Air and Indus Airline, participants were instructed to ensure adherence to the standard operating procedures and pilots’ health.



Last week, a Lahore-bound Shaheen Air flight, carrying 121 passengers and crew members, made an ‘emergency landing’ at the Allama Iqbal International Airport. It was initially reported that at least 10 passengers received ‘minor’ injuries when the plane landed due to a burst tyre.

However, the CAA denied the claims, saying all passengers remained unhurt and that flight NL-142 landed at the airport and shortly afterwards went off the runway.

DG CAA had ordered an inquiry to investigate the incident.