Analysis of Pakistan International Airlines Flight 8303 Incident

 

Horrible storey of PIA Flight 8303

On May 22, 2020, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Flight PK 8303, an Airbus A320, crashed in a residential area near Karachi's Jinnah International Airport. This tragic event claimed the lives of 97 people on board, with only two passengers surviving. One person on the ground also lost their life.

Sequence of Events:

1. Initial Flight and Weather Conditions:

   • The flight took off from Lahore at 1 PM with clear weather conditions.
   • Captain Sajjad Gul and First Officer Usman Azam were experienced pilots, with 18,000 and 10 years of flight experience, respectively.

2. Approach to Karachi:

   • The aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 34,000 feet when it started its descent towards Karachi.
   • There was a critical error in the flight path selected by the pilots. They opted for a direct route to Makli instead of the pre-programmed Nawab Shah 2A route.
   • The aircraft's descent rate was too rapid, and its altitude was not properly managed.

3. First Landing Atte way.  mpt:

   • Upon approaching the runway, the aircraft was at an altitude of 10,000 feet, far higher than the required 3,000 feet.
   • Despite multiple warnings and requests from air traffic control to adjust their altitude and take an orbit to stabilize, the pilots persisted with the landing attempt.
   • The landing gear was not deployed, causing the aircraft to land on its engines, which led to severe damage and oil leakage.

4. Attempted Go-Around and Final Descent:

   • Realizing the error, the pilots attempted a go-around. However, the damage to the engines caused one to fail, and the other soon followed.
   • The aircraft lost altitude rapidly and made a second approach to the runway, this time with the landing gear deployed, but the speed was insufficient to reach the runway.
   • The plane crashed into the densely populated Model Colony area, resulting in a massive explosion and fire.

Investigation Findings:

• Pilot Error:
  • The primary cause was determined to be pilot error, particularly in judgment and decision-making during the critical phases of the flight.
  • The pilots were fasting, which could have affected their performance and cognitive functions.
• Communication Breakdown:
  • There were lapses in communication between the pilots and air traffic control, with crucial information not being relayed effectively.
• System and Procedural Failures:
  • The investigation highlighted procedural failures within PIA, including concerns over pilot licensing and training standards.

Recommendations:

1. Pilot Training and Monitoring:

   • Enhancements in pilot training, particularly regarding decision-making under pressure and adherence to standard operating procedures.
   • Implementation of strict monitoring systems to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

2. Air Traffic Control Protocols:

   • Improvement in air traffic control protocols to ensure timely and clear communication, especially during emergencies.

3. Regulatory Oversight:

   • Strengthening of regulatory oversight by the Civil Aviation Authority to address licensing and training discrepancies.

Conclusion: The PIA Flight PK 8303 crash serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of strict adherence to safety protocols, effective communication, and the physical and mental well-being of flight crews. The incident underscores the need for systemic improvements in aviation safety to prevent such tragedies in the future.