A cargo aircraft operated by K2 Airways, carrying five crew members, went missing off the coast of Karachi late Tuesday evening after experiencing a rapid descent and losing communication with air traffic controllers. The flight was en route from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates to Karachi when the incident occurred.
Timeline of Events
According to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, the Boeing 737 reported a navigation system problem at 9:18 p.m. local time. Radar data shows the aircraft began a rapid descent and made a sharp change in heading around 9:21 p.m. Radar and radio contact were lost approximately 155 nautical miles (287 kilometers) west of Karachi.
Search and Rescue Operations
The Civil Aviation Authority announced on X that search-and-rescue operations are underway in the Arabian Sea. Multiple assets have been deployed, including the Pakistan Navy ship PNS Zulfiqar, which was diverted to the area. Pakistan Air Force assets and a Pakistan Navy ATR aircraft operating from Turbat are also participating. Additionally, the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation merchant vessel Lahore has joined the search efforts.
Background
The cause of the disappearance remains unknown. K2 Airways, based in Karachi, was operating the cargo flight. Authorities have not yet released the names or nationalities of the five crew members on board.
