Pakistan flight crash: Transcript of last audio conversation between pilot, ATC
Pakistan flight crash: Transcript of last audio conversation between pilot, ATC
The pilot of the Pakistan International Airline that crashed in Karachi today indicated that he was facing problems with the plain’s engines just before the disaster. The pilot notified the controllers at the Air Traffic Control at Karachi airport.
The PIA flight 8303 had approximately 90 to 100 passengers, including crew onboard. The plan crashed in a residential area just outside the airport in Karachi before landing on Friday. Many are feared killed but no official statement on casualties have been made so far.
Listening to this, the ATC controllers asked the pilot to confirm if he's carrying out a "belly landing" which means landing without the landing gear extended. After some time the pilot is heard putting out a mayday call.
The ATC told the pilot that "both" runways at the Karachi airport were available for landing. However, the pilot response is not heard in the reported audio clip of the conversation.
Pakistan International Airline CEO Air Vice Marshal Arshad Malik stated that in a video message the pilot had chosen to "go-around", aviation parlance for aborting a landing the last moment and circling the runway for another attempt. Further investigation is going on.
Here is a transcript of the audio conversation between the pilot of the Pakistan International Airlines and the ATC:
ATC: ...8303, Approach. [This is the ATC calling out to the plane and identifying itself as the approach control]
Pilot: Ji, sir. [Yes, sir]
ATC: Uh, appear to be turning left.
Pilot: Uh, we are proceeding direct, sir, we have lost engine.
ATC: Confirm you are carrying out belly landing?
Pillot: [Inaudible]
[Brief pause]
ATC: ... runway available to land at two-five. [Two-five is the runway identifier]
Pilot: Roger.
[Brief pause]
Pilot: Sir, mayday, mayday, mayday, Pakistan 830... 3.
ATC: Pakistan 8303, roger sir, both runways available to land.
Audio ends.