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The PIA flight PK-306, which departed from Karachi, and was reaching to Lahore, witnessed a critical situation mid-flight. The aircraft reported a missing rear wheel after landing safely.
Representational image. (File photo)
A jaw-dropping incident has been reported from Pakistan, where Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) landed in Lahore without the rear wheel. Yes, you read it right! Ever since the news was confirmed by an official, it has created a buzz on the internet.
The incident that could have taken a lot of lives, ended on a positive note, a big thanks to the skilful pilot and advanced technology. Are such events can be deadly? Let’s explore.
Main Work Of Landing Wheels
Before diving inside the topic of what could happen if an aircraft’s wheel falls off, it is important to know the actual work of this element. In case you are not aware, aircraft wheels are not just responsible for making it move on the runway but also play a major role in facilitating smooth landings and take-offs.
The landing gear is equipped with multiple wheels and is usually designed in such a manner that it could take immense pressure during takeoff and landing. Talking about big models and commercial airliners, these models come with robust wheels in their landing gear configuration.
These components are connected to the landing gear assembly and are linked to the aircraft’s fuselage. These wheels help the plane to move effortlessly during takeoff and landing, allowing it to absorb all the pressure at the time of touchdowns.
Missing Wheel Can Be Deadly?
Can the loss of wheel be deadly? Well, no. Nowadays, technlolgy has been improved massively and the aeroplanes are designed with multiple safety redundancies. It can fly safely with one wheel missing as well as it can rely on the other wheels for a safe landing.
Why Do Boeing Aircraft’s Wheels Fall Off?
Talking about the rear wheels on aircraft, especially of the large models like Boeing 737s or 777s, they take massive stress during takeoff, landing, and taxiing. Due to heavy pressure, any mechanical fault issues with the landing gear assembly or hydraulic system can create the problems in the wheel system, making them malfunction or even can make them detached.
Similar Incidents
• According to the reports, the PIA flight PK-306, which departed from Karachi, and was reaching to Lahore, witnessed a critical situation mid-flight. The aircraft reported a missing rear wheel after successfully landing at the Lahore airport.
• This is not the first time such an incident grabbed the attention of the internet. In 2024, multiple incidents have come into the limelight, where aircraft successfully landed on a runway with bursting tyres or without wheels mid-flight.
• According to the reports, a 757-200 flight, operated by United Airlines witnessed the same situation. It lost its wheel during takeoff and sucesfully landed on the runway with a massive bounce. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
- Location :
Lahore, Pakistan
