A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) domestic flight, PK-306, landed at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore on Thursday morning with one of its rear wheels missing, an official confirmed on Friday. Remarkably, the incident caused no accidents or disruptions, with the Airbus A320 completing a smooth touchdown from Karachi.

A PIA spokesperson detailed that the flight adhered to its schedule, and passengers disembarked normally. However, a post-landing inspection by the captain uncovered the absence of one wheel from the six-wheel main landing gear assembly. “The aircraft is engineered to handle such contingencies, ensuring no risk to passengers or equipment,” the spokesperson assured, emphasizing the safe landing.

An investigation has been launched by PIA’s Flight Safety Department and Lahore airport teams to determine the cause. Authorities are examining whether the wheel was missing before takeoff or detached during departure. Fragments of the wheel found at Karachi airport suggest it may have been in poor condition prior to flight. “It appears the wheel’s state could have contributed,” a PIA official told PTI, noting that theft—though unlikely—is also under scrutiny.

The probe aims to deliver a comprehensive report, addressing maintenance protocols and operational oversight. The incident, occurring at 9:15 PM Wednesday per initial reports, has raised questions about pre-flight checks, though the plane’s design mitigated potential hazards. As PIA and aviation teams investigate, the focus remains on ensuring such anomalies are prevented, with findings expected to clarify this unusual event.