A major search operation is underway after a Boeing 737 cargo aircraft disappeared from radar while approaching Pakistan, leaving five crew members missing.
The aircraft, operated by K2 Airways, was travelling from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates to Karachi when it reportedly experienced navigation system problems before losing contact with air traffic control on Tuesday.
According to Pakistan’s airport authorities, the flight alerted air traffic controllers to the technical issue and was being guided by Karachi Area Control Centre when communication was suddenly lost.
Flight tracking data reportedly showed the aircraft rapidly losing altitude moments before it disappeared from radar. Its last known position placed it about 155 nautical miles west of Karachi at an altitude of approximately 1,100 feet above sea level.
Emergency response teams have since been deployed to search for the aircraft and its five crew members, while aviation authorities continue efforts to determine its whereabouts.
The circumstances surrounding the disappearance remain unclear.
Aviation analyst Imran Aslam told local media that the aircraft’s rapid descent appeared unusual, noting that an aircraft suffering engine failure would ordinarily glide rather than lose altitude so abruptly.
Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the incident, while investigations and search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing.
