A Karachi cargo plane crash has triggered a large-scale search and rescue operation after a K-2 Airways cargo aircraft traveling from Sharjah disappeared over the Arabian Sea. Pakistani aviation authorities confirmed the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control before reportedly crashing into the sea near Ormara, with five crew members on board.
The Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) said the Boeing 737 cargo aircraft was flying to Karachi when communication was lost at around 9:21 pm PST. Officials said the aircraft disappeared approximately 155 nautical miles west of Karachi after reporting a technical problem involving its navigational system.
Karachi cargo plane crash sparks major rescue effort
Following the loss of contact, the Rescue Coordination Centre activated an emergency response involving multiple maritime and aviation agencies.
According to official information, the aircraft is believed to have gone down in the sea near Ormara, roughly 300 kilometres from Karachi. Search teams are continuing efforts to locate the aircraft and the five crew members.
The cargo plane was carrying five people, including pilot Rizwan Idrees and First Officer Faisal Mahmood.
Aircraft reported a navigation system problem
The PAA said the flight crew informed air traffic controllers about a technical malfunction affecting the aircraft’s navigation system before communication ended.
Authorities stated that controllers immediately provided guidance to the crew. However, the aircraft reportedly began losing altitude within minutes and made a sudden change in direction before all contact was lost.
These details are expected to play an important role in determining what happened during the flight once investigators recover further evidence.
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Navy and Air Force join search mission
Pakistan’s military and maritime agencies have launched a coordinated search across the affected area.
Pakistan Navy warship PNS Zulfiquar has been dispatched to the location, while a Pakistan Air Force Saab airborne early warning and control aircraft took off from Bholari Airbase to support aerial operations.
A Pakistan Navy ATR aircraft operating from Turbat is also participating in the Karachi cargo plane crash search operation. In addition, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation oil tanker MT Lahore has been deployed to assist with rescue efforts at sea.
The search operation remains underway as authorities work to locate the missing aircraft and its crew.
