The curious case of Pakistan Airlines: Flight lands without a wheel; officials probe whether it was stolen

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight landed at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport with a missing rear wheel, an airline official confirmed on Friday. Fortunately, no accidents or incidents were reported following the Thursday morning landing.

The domestic flight, PK-306, had departed from Karachi for Lahore when it was discovered upon landing that one of its rear wheels was missing.

A PIA official told PTI that an investigation has been initiated to determine whether the aircraft took off from Karachi with the missing wheel or if it detached during takeoff. Some wheel fragments were later found at Karachi airport, suggesting possible damage before departure.


“It appears that one of the rear wheels was in poor condition when the aircraft took off,” the official noted.

Despite the missing wheel, a PIA spokesperson reassured that PK-306 made a “smooth and uneventful landing” as scheduled, with passengers disembarking normally.

“During a routine post-flight walk-around inspection, the aircraft captain discovered that one of the six wheels on the main landing gear was missing,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson emphasized that the aircraft was designed to handle such contingencies, posing no immediate risk to passengers or equipment.

"As per standard protocol, PIA's flight safety team and Lahore airport officials are investigating the matter, and a report will be submitted soon,” the spokesperson added.

Authorities will also examine whether the wheel was stolen, though officials believe this possibility is unlikely.