:Pakistan International Airlines Flight 8303

The aircraft involved in the accident was a Airbus A320-214, built by Airbus Industrie in 2004, with registration AP-BLD and manufacturer serial number 2274.{{Cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=Accident Airbus A320-214 AP-BLD, Friday 22 May 2020 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/319173 |access-date=2024-07-16 |publisher=Aviation Safety Network}} It was powered by two CFM International CFM56-5B4 turbofan engines manufactured by CFM International. The left engine was installed in February 2019 while the right engine was installed in May 2019.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=38–39}}{{cite web |title=The CFM56-5B Turbofan Engine |url=http://www.cfm56.com/products/cfm56-5b |publisher=CFM International |access-date=15 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902195638/http://www.cfm56.com/products/cfm56-5b |archive-date=2 September 2011 |url-status=dead}} The aircraft had a total of 47,124 airframe hours and 25,866 flight cycles before the accident flight, of which 18,632 airframe hours and 8,353 flight cycles were at Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=38}}

The last routine maintenance check on the aircraft before the accident was conducted by PIA's engineering department on 21 March 2020, and the last major check before the accident occurred on 19 October 2019, during which no defects were found in its engines, landing gear or avionics.{{cite news |last=Naseer |first=Tahir |date=23 May 2020 |title=Crashed Airbus last checked on Mar 21, returned from Muscat a day ago |work=Dawn |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1559129|access-date=23 May 2020}} From 22 March to 6 May 2020, the plane had remained grounded owing to flight cancellations amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. From 7 May onward, the plane had conducted six flights.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=147}} On the day prior to the accident, the plane had operated a flight from Muscat in Oman to Lahore in Pakistan. The aircraft had a valid certificate of airworthiness and certificate of maintenance review at the time of the accident.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=38}}

In command of the flight were two pilots. The captain of the flight was 58-year-old Sajjad Gul.{{Cite web|title=Captain Sajjad Gul Was Pilot, Usman Azam First Officer Of Unfortunate PK 8303|url=https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/captain-sajjad-gul-was-pilot-usman-azam-firs-927835.html|last=Ali|first=Mohammad|date=22 May 2020|agency=UrduPoint |publisher=Pakistan Point News |access-date=23 May 2020}} Gul had 17,252 flight hours, 7,044 of which were when he was pilot-in-command and 4,783 of which were on the Airbus A320. He joined PIA in March 1996 after getting his medical certificate from the Civil Aviation Medical Board in 1987.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=35}} He flew as a first officer on various aircraft including the Fokker F27, Boeing 737, Airbus A310, and Boeing 777. He was promoted to a captain in 2013, first on ATR aircraft, then on the Airbus A320 in 2015.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=117}} He was described by the Pakistan Airline Pilots Association as one of PIA's most experienced pilots. The first officer of the flight was 33-year-old Usman Azam. Azam had 2,291 flight hours, 2,132 of which were when he was pilot-in-command and 1,504 of which were on the Airbus A320. He joined PIA in August 2010 after getting his medical certificate from the Civil Aviation Medical Board in 2005.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=36}} He flew as a first officer on ATR aircraft and on the Airbus A320.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=118}}

In addition to the two flight crew members, there were six flight attendants on board the flight.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=34}} 91 passengers were on board the flight, consisting of 51 men, 31 women, and 9 children.{{cite news |title=List of passengers on board flight PIA flight PK-8303 |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/662293-list-of-passengers-on-board-flight-pk-8303 |access-date=15 February 2025 |work=The News International |date=22 May 2020}} One passenger was American.{{Cite news|last=Hansler|first=Jennifer |date=22 May 2020|title=One American was aboard the plane that crashed in Karachi, official says|publisher=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/22/politics/american-aboard-plane-karachi/index.html|access-date=22 May 2020}} Among the passengers were Pakistani model and actress Zara Abid and chief executive officer of the Bank of Punjab Zafar Masud.{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/celebrity/story/pakistani-model-zara-abid-feared-dead-pia-plane-crash-1680857-2020-05-22 |title=Pakistani model Zara Abid feared dead in PIA plane crash |work=India Today |date=22 May 2020 |access-date=22 May 2020 |first=Krishna Priya |last=Pallavi}}{{cite news |last1=Mandhro |first1=Sameer |title=Zara Abid not on the current list of crash survivors: Health Department |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2227134/4-zara-abid-not-list-crash-survivors-health-department/ |access-date=23 May 2020 |work=The Express Tribune |date=23 May 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/miracle-escape-zafar-masood-chairman-of-punjab-bank-survives-in-pia-plane-crash-in-karachi-1.71638578|title=Miracle escape: Zafar Masood, Chairman of Punjab Bank, survives in PIA plane crash in Karachi|work=Gulf News|date=22 May 2020|access-date=10 July 2020|first=Ashfaq|last=Ahmed}} Five officers from the Pakistan Army and one from the Pakistan Air Force were also on the flight.{{cite news|url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/22-May-2020/five-pakistan-army-officers-dead-in-among-pia-plane-crash|title=Five Pakistan Army officers martyred in PIA plane crash|work=Daily Pakistan|date=22 May 2020|access-date=23 May 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2228285/1-plane-tragedy-eid-surprise-never/|title=Plane tragedy: The Eid surprise that never was|date=24 May 2020|access-date=24 May 2020|work=The Express Tribune|first=Hafeez|last=Tunio}}

{{multiple image

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| title = Jinnah International Airport approach charts

| image1 = Jinnah International Airport arrival chart.png

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| caption1 = Arrival chart

| image2 = Jinnah International Airport Runway 25L approach chart.png

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| caption2 = Approach chart

| footer = The arrival chart for Jinnah International Airport and the approach chart for Runway 25L, with the Nawabshah VOR, the waypoints MAKLI and SABEN, the holding pattern around SABEN, and the profile view of the glideslope of Runway 25L labeled

}}

Jinnah International Airport has two runways, Runway 07L/25R and Runway 07R/25L, of which the latter is the longest, with a length of {{cvt|11200|ft|m}}.{{cite web |title=Introduction to Jinnah International Airport |url=https://www.karachiairport.com.pk/About/About-Introduction.aspx |publisher=Jinnah International Airport |access-date=1 March 2025}} An approach to Runway 25L starts at the Nawabshah VOR, which is located approximately {{cvt|112.9|nmi|km}} northeast from the airport. After passing the VOR, the inbound flight would proceed to waypoint MAKLI, located {{cvt|15.3|nmi|km}} from the threshold of Runway 25L. Following this, the aircraft would turn right towards waypoint SABEN, which is located {{cvt|11.4|nmi|km}} from the runway threshold. The designated altitude for aircraft crossing SABEN was {{cvt|3,000|ft|m}} to safely intercept the 3° glideslope for the runway. If at SABEN, the aircraft was still above {{cvt|3,000|ft|m}}, they would be required to enter a holding pattern in order to lose altitude.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=18–19}}

{{see also|Mode control panel}}

The Airbus A320 has a flight control unit (FCU), an interface on the glareshield of the cockpit. It is the primary interface that allows the flight crew to interact with the flight computers, disengage the autopilot and autothrust, change other flight parameters. The FCU has four knobs that can change the aircraft's airspeed, altitude, heading, and vertical speed. The knobs can be pushed in or out to the autopilot mode for that setting to either selected or managed guidance.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=81}}

When one of the knobs in pulled out after a value is selected, selected mode will engage. In selected mode, the autopilot will maintain the value selected until a new value is selected. When one of the knobs is pushed in after a value is selected, managed mode will engage. In managed mode, the autopilot determines the flight path based on pre-programmed information in the flight management system (FMS). For instance, a pilot could push the heading knob into the lateral navigation mode (LNAV mode), and the autopilot would manage the aircraft's heading in order to follow the track in the FMS.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=82}}

When the altitude knob is pushed in with a selected altitude lower than the aircraft's current altitude, the descent mode (DES mode) will activate. In DES mode, the aircraft will follow the descent profile as programmed into the FMS. Depending on the total distance available for descent, DES mode will lower the rate of descent in order to capture the selected altitude safely.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=82–83}}

In selected mode, a descent mode known as open descent mode can be engaged. In open descent, the auto thrust will reduce the engine power to idle thrust while the autopilot pitches the aircraft's nose up or down in order to achieve a selected speed. Open descent is prohibited from being used on final approach.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=83}}

{{hatnote|All times are in Pakistan Standard Time, UTC+05:00}}

The flight, with callsign "Pakistan 8303", departed Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore at 13:05:30 with First Officer Azam as the designated pilot flying and Captain Gul as the designated pilot monitoring. The flight soon climbed to its cruising altitude of {{cvt|34,000|ft|m}}. At 13:24, the flight crew made contact with Karachi area control and were told to expect an instrument landing system

(ILS) approach to Runway 25L.{{cite news|last=Rai|first=Arpan|date=22 May 2020|title='We lost an engine': PIA plane pilot calmly tells ATC moments before crash |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/we-lost-an-engine-pakistan-plane-pilot-told-atc-moments-before-crash/story-4ces3vWogTAViepryfbh2H.html|access-date=23 May 2020}}{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=17–18}} After the aircraft crossed Nawabshah at 14:15:38, air traffic control (ATC) cleared the crew to start descending to {{cvt|10,000|ft|m}} and fly direct to MAKLI.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=18}} The crew engaged DES mode by turning the altitude knob to {{cvt|10,000|ft|m}} and pushing it in. At 14:18:36, the selected altitude changed to {{cvt|5000|ft|m}} and the descent rate increased from {{cvt|1000|ft/min|m/min}} to {{cvt|2400|ft/min|m/min}}. As the aircraft approached MAKLI at 14:23:16, ATC instructed the flight crew to contact Karachi Approach on frequency 125.5 MHz. However, the crew accidentally set their radios to 126.5 and did not respond to radio calls from ATC. For the next minute, ATC called Flight 8303 three times, and an additional PIA aircraft also tried to call them, but without any response. Afterward, ATC called the flight crew on guard frequency three times. The flight crew responded to the third call and properly contacted Karachi Approach.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=20}}

File:PK8303 approach path.png

After communication was re-established, Karachi approach cleared the flight to descend down to {{cvt|3,000|ft|m}} and an ILS approach to Runway 25L at 14:25:54. At this time, the aircraft was still above {{cvt|15,000|ft|m}}. At 14:30:22, the aircraft was {{Convert|16|nmi|km}} from the threshold of Runway 25L at an altitude of {{cvt|9,363|ft|m}}. At this time, the localizer capture mode (LOC) mode was automatically engaged.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=20}} In LOC mode, the aircraft will follow the localizer signal for the runway it is approaching and override the track inputted into NAV mode. In the case of Flight 8303, this meant that the holding pattern around SABEN and its associated track miles would no longer be flown.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=127}} This reduced the true amount of track miles the aircraft would have to fly from MAKLI to the threshold of Runway 25L from {{cvt|38|nmi|km}} to {{cvt|15|nmi|km}}. However, this change was not reflected in the FMS, and the aircraft continued to descend at a descent rate corresponding to a {{cvt|38|nmi|km}} distance rather than a {{cvt|15|nmi|km}} distance. This resulted in the descent rate become to shallow to safely intercept the glideslope.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=123}} ATC recognized that the flight was too high and asked them, "Pakistan 8303 confirm track

mile comfortable for descent?" Captain Gul replied with "Affirm."{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=20}}{{Cite news |date=25 May 2020|title=Pak plane crash: Pilot ignored warning about plane height from air traffic control|work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/pak-plane-crash-pilot-ignored-warning-about-plane-height-from-air-traffic-control/articleshow/75963255.cms|access-date=25 May 2020}} At this time, First Officer Azam was likely re-adding the holding pattern to the FMS as Captain Gul suddenly exclaimed, "What has happened? Stop, stop, oh no! Take out the hold, take out the hold, take out the hold, take out the hold". Azam responded with, "Hold taken out, should we report this happening [to air traffic control]?" Captain Gul replied, "No, this could be due to hold, tell Karachi Approach that [we're] established on localizer."{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=20}}

At 14:30:44, one of the flight crew members engaged the open descent with a target of {{cvt|3,000|ft|m}} mode despite it being disallowed on approach. A few seconds later, the speed brakes were extended in order to increase drag on the aircraft. However, a target airspeed of {{cvt|255|kn|km/h}}.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=20–21}} Since the aircraft was at {{cvt|9,210|ft|m}}, this violated the {{cvt|250|kn|km/h}} airspeed limitation for aircraft below {{cvt|10,000|ft|m}}.{{cite web |last1=Kranser |first1=Helen |title=Aircraft Speed Limits (Airspace, Altitude & Holding Patterns) |url=https://executiveflyers.com/aircraft-speed-limits/ |publisher=Executive Flyers |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=14 September 2023}} At 14:31:13, Karachi Tower contacted Karachi Approach—the ATC in contact with the flight—and said, "Sir, it's too high," with Karachi Approach responding with, "Yes, it is too high and I am observing it and will give orbit." Karachi Approach then called out to the flight and said, "Pakistan 8303 report level passing". Captain Gul replied, "Out of 75 for 3,000". However, their altitude at this point was around {{cvt|7,700|ft|m}}, not {{cvt|7,500|ft|m}}.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=125}} At this time, the aircraft passed over SABEN at {{cvt|7,830|ft|m}}, over twice as high as it should have been. At 14:31:34, {{cvt|10.4|nmi|km}} from the runway threshold, and {{cvt|7,440|ft|m}} high, the landing gear lever was moved into the down position, although without any verbalization by either of the flight crew members. The extra drag caused by the landing gear deployment resulted in the aircraft pitching down from just under 0° nose down to 7.4° nose down and {{cvt|7,500|ft/min|m/min}} in order to maintain the selected airspeed.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=127}} Seven seconds later, ATC called the flight and told them, "Sir, orbit is available if you want," In the cockpit, Captain Gul spoke to First Officer Azam to say, "Say it's OK." Azam then told ATC, "Negative sir, we are comfortable, we can make it inshallah."{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=128}} Gul then told Azam, "He will be surprised what we have done," referring to air traffic controller and how he wanted to land on their current unstable approach.{{cite news |last1=Mian |first1=Tahir Imran |title=PK8303: How Sky Cowboys Brought Doom To 100 Passengers And Crew |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/22-May-2024/pk8303-how-sky-cowboys-brought-doom-to-100-passengers-and-crew |access-date=2 March 2025 |work=The Friday Times |date=22 May 2024}}{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=22}}

At 14:32:25, ATC instructed the flight with, "Pakistan 8303, disregard, turn left heading 180." The flight crew replied with "Sir, we are comfortable now, and we are out of 3,500 for 3,000, established ILS 25L," although their actual altitude was {{cvt|3,900|ft|m}}.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=129}} The controller once again called the flight crew and said, "Negative, turn left heading 180," but this instruction was again ignored with the response of, "Sir, we are established on ILS 25L."{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=22}} At this moment, the aircraft was passing through {{cvt|3,000|ft|m}} just {{cvt|5.7|nmi|km}} from the runway threshold and had a pitch of 12.6° nose down. Although the selected airspeed was {{cvt|225|kn|km/h}}, the aircraft had an airspeed of {{cvt|242|kn|km/h}}. This resulted in an "overspeed" warning after the flaps were extended. Soon afterward, the aircraft's pitch reached 13.7° nose down and the autopilot disconnected, without a response from either crew member.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=22–23, 130—131}} At 14:32:52, the first ground proximity warning system (GPWS) warnings started to sound in the cockpit; first a "sink rate!" then two "pull up!" warnings. First Officer Azam then started to command his sidestick ⅔ nose up, which brought the descent rate from {{cvt|7,400|ft/min|m/min}} to {{cvt|2,000|ft/min|m/min}} and increased to pitch to nearly 0°. Four seconds later, he raised the landing gear and speed brakes without any verbalization to Captain Gul. Near simultaneously, ATC cleared the flight land on Runway 25L.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=24, 133}}

File:PK8303 final approach.png

As the aircraft continued its approach, the flaps were extended to configuration 2 and two seconds later, configuration 3. This action resulted more overspeed warnings as they were extended at {{cvt|232|kn|km/h}}, beyond the maximum safe airspeed speed of {{cvt|200|kn|km/h}} and {{cvt|189|kn|km/h}} respectively.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=24}} At 14:33:33, First Officer Azam asked Captain Gul, "Should we do the orbit?" Gul replied with, "No-no, leave it," before taking over the controls and making nose-down inputs on his sidestick unannounced. This was despite him being the designated pilot monitoring who should not have been manipulating the controls; Gul doing so resulted in a dual input situation where both pilots were making control inputs at the same time.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=25}} As the aircraft was passing through {{cvt|750|ft|m}} {{cvt|1.5|nmi|km}} from the runway, the "landing gear not down" warning sounded in the cockpit, a related message appeared on the electronic centralised aircraft monitor (ECAM) and the landing gear down arrow illuminated red. Three seconds later, Captain Gul told First Officer Azam to, "Cancel it," referring to the overspeed aural warning. The aural warning was cancelled but the aural warning related to the landing gear trigged three seconds later.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=25}} The GPWS then started to produce a sequence of 13 GPWS warnings, ten "too low terrain!", one "sink rate!", and two "pull up!" warnings. At 14:34:16, the aircraft flew over the threshold of Runway 25L at {{cvt|24|ft|m}} and {{cvt|205|kn|km/h}}; all GPWS warnings were inhibited as the aircraft was below {{cvt|30|ft|m}}. While still {{cvt|7|ft|m}}, reverse thrust was selected on both engines, but did not deploy as the aircraft was still in the air.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=26}}

File:PK8303 airport CCTV.png footage skidding down Runway 25L]]

The aircraft belly landed at 14:34:28 approximately {{cvt|4,500|ft|m}} down Runway 25L.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=26}} The engines, slung under the wing, made contact with the runway surface. A runway inspection done after the accident showed that the left engine scraped the runway first, followed by the right engine at {{convert|5500|ft|m}}.{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2228286/1-first-landing-attempt-doomed-pk8303-officials/|title=First landing attempt doomed PK8303: officials|work=The Express Tribune |date=24 May 2020|access-date=24 May 2020|first=Waqas|last=Ahmed}}{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=108}} Two seconds after the first contact, maximum braking on the landing gear was applied even though it was still retracted inside the aircraft. Captain Gul applied full nose-down command to his sidestick while First Officer Azam applied ⅔ nose-up command on his sidestick. The result was a pitch of 4° nose down when the brakes were applied.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=27}} As the vibrations on both engines started to increase, the engine two fire warning triggered with its associated aural warning, red master warning light, and ECAM message activating. Simultaneously, the engine N2 AC generator started to fail, resulting the aircraft's electrical be reconfigured to being powered solely on the engine one generator.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=28}}

Fourteen seconds after the aircraft belly landed, First Officer Azam exclaimed to Captain Gul, "Take off sir, take off!" Two seconds later and at an airspeed of {{cvt|160|kn|km/h}}, the thrust levers were advanced to takeoff go-around thrust (TOGA). Engine one accelerated to TOGA power but engine two failed to accelerate past idle thrust due to a failed engine control unit that was damaged during its contact with the runway.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=29}} The aircraft got airborne at 14:34:45 with significant damage to its engines.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=135}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52766904|title=Pakistan plane crash: Dozens die as jet hits homes in Karachi |work=BBC News |date=22 May 2020|access-date=23 May 2020}} Dual inputs on the sidestick stopped and Gul was the pilot flying for the rest of the flight. As the aircraft was climbing through {{cvt|58|ft|m}}, a "too low, gear" warning sounded. The position of the gear lever moved from up to down then back to up in reaction, but the position of the landing gear did not change. The crew then declared that they were conducting a go-around to Karachi Approach.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=29–30}}

At 14:35:10 and as the aircraft climbed through {{cvt|442|ft|m}}, both N1 fan rotation speed indications reached 94% as engine two managed to advance to TOGA power. However, the damage sustained to the gear boxes on the underside of both engines caused the engine oil to reduce by 75% on engine one and 67% on engine two. This initially resulted in an engine one low oil pressure warning which was quickly followed by the same warning for engine two.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=30–31}}{{cite news |last1=Mian |first1=Tahir Imran |title=PK8303 Crash: Uncovering The Tragedy Of Fatal Errors |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/22-May-2024/pk8303-crash-uncovering-the-tragedy-of-fatal-errors |access-date=2 March 2025 |work=The Friday Times |date=22 May 2024}} As they climbed, the flight crew contacted Karachi Approach and said, "Request heading for Pakistan 8303 we would like to come again for ILS 25L," to which they replied with, "Roger, turn left heading 110, climb 3,000." The aircraft started to turn left for a second approach attempt.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=140}}

File:PK8303 crash CCTV.png

As the aircraft passed through {{cvt|2,670|ft|m}} at 14:36, engine one N1 started to decrease, and the engine suffered an uncommanded in-flight shutdown. However, First Officer Azam said, "Thrust lever number two idle, move number two to idle," despite engine two still operating near maximum power. The crew then reduced power on the engine two. Seconds later, the engine one generator failed as the engine stopped producing sufficient power.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=31}} The failure of both generators resulted in a total electrical failure on board the aircraft. The digital flight data recorder (DFDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) stopped recording due to the loss of power. In response to the loss of power, the aircraft's ram air turbine (RAT) automatically deployed.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=31}}

With engine one failed and engine two producing only idle thrust, the aircraft started to lose airspeed. Starting at 14:36:28, multiple "stall! stall!" warnings sounded in combination with several dual input warnings. Soon after the aircraft descended through {{cvt|1,900|ft|m}}, the flight crew discussed the status of engine two and after realizing that it was working, the N1 speed on the engine increased from 40% to 76%.{{refn|group=note|name=engines|After the failure of the DFDR, engine power could only be determined through audio analysis of CVR.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=32}}}} First Officer Azam then told Captain Gul to keep the airspeed above {{cvt|140|kn|km/h}}, the minimum speed for RAT to power the aircraft. Starting at 14:37:59, sounds of an engine stall were heard coming from engine two and the engine N1 started to decrease. At 14:38:46, engine two stopped producing sound and thrust. This was followed by multiple stall warnings. Azam then asked Gul to increase their airspeed, but without engines to increase speed, he replied with, "How would I increase speed?" Azam did not respond.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=32–33}}

As the aircraft was descending through {{cvt|1,500|ft|m}} and after ATC called them about a left turn, Azam told ATC, "We will be proceeding direct sir, we have lost engines." ATC then asked, "Confirm you are carrying out belly landing?" to which Azam responded with "Negative sir."{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=33}}{{Cite news |last1=Ellis-Petersen |first1=Hannah |last2=Baloch |first2=Shah Meer |date=22 May 2020 |title=Dozens killed as passenger plane crashes near Karachi airport |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/22/pakistan-passenger-plane-crashes-near-karachi |access-date=22 May 2020}} Gul then asked Azam whether the landing gear was extended. Soon after Azam said no, the landing gear was extended and Azam told the flight attendants to be prepared for landing. At this time, the aircraft was descending through {{cvt|700|ft|m}}. Seconds later at 14:39:46, Gul said mayday three times without calling ATC before Azam properly transmitted to ATC.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=33}} He said to them, "Sir, mayday, mayday, mayday, mayday, Pakistan 8303," which was the final communication with the flight. As the aircraft turned left, it lost altitude with the stall warning remaining active until the crash. At 14:40:18, the aircraft crashed into a row of buildings {{cvt|4410|ft|m}} from the runway threshold.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=33,55}}

The aircraft first collided with a mobile tower before crashing into a street. Most of the aircraft wreckage landed in the street although some of the aircraft remained embedded in the buildings.{{cite news|last1=Naseer|first1=Tahir|last2=Hassan|first2=Qazi|last3=Siddiqui|first3=Naveed|date=22 May 2020|title=97 killed as plane crashes into residential area near Karachi airport|website=Dawn|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1558944|access-date=22 May 2020}} A post-crash fire started and several houses were damaged or destroyed.{{Cite news |date=22 May 2020 |title=Scores feared dead as passenger jet crashes in Pakistan |work=CBS News |agency=Agence France-Presse |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pakistan-plane-crash-reportedly-leaves-scores-dead-near-karachi-today-2020-05-22/ |access-date=22 May 2020}}{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=55–56}}

File:PK8303 crash site.png

A full-scale emergency was declared at the airport by ATC and local fire and rescue services arrived at the crash site within ten minutes.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=77}} The narrow streets and alleys in the area impeded the rescue services. The ISPR, the media wing of the Pakistani military, reported that special forces of the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Rangers had set up a cordon.{{Cite news |date=22 May 2020 |title=At least 57 dead as Pakistan plane crashes in residential area in Karachi |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-plane-with-107-on-board-crashes-in-residential-area-in-karachi-several-feared-dead/articleshow/75890518.cms |access-date=22 May 2020}} Video footage of the crash scene showed emergency teams trying to reach the scene amid the rubble. Several houses were damaged or destroyed in the accident.{{refn|group=note|name=houses|The exact number of houses damaged or destroyed is disputed. CBS News reported that five or six houses were destroyed. Faisal Edhi of the Edhi Foundation said at least 25 houses suffered damage due to the crash. The spokeswomen for the Sindh Health Department said that 18 houses were destroyed or damaged.{{cite news|last=Jawad|first=Adil|date=23 May 2020|title=Turbulence, warnings before Pakistan plane crash killed 97|website=The Detroit News|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/nation/2020/05/23/turbulence-warnings-pakistan-plane-crash-killed/111855732/|access-date=23 May 2020}} An anonymous senior official at the crash site reported to The Guardian that 5 houses were destroyed and 15 others were damaged. The final report only said that several homes were damaged and did not provide a specific number.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=34}}}} The Sindh Minister of Health and Population Welfare declared a state of emergency for Karachi's hospitals, while Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered all available resources to the crash site, as did the chief of staff of the Pakistan Air Force. Rescue services brought the injured and dead were brought to Civil Hospital, Dar-ul-Sehat Hospital, and the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=150}} Medical resources were strained due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite news |title=Pakistan plane crash: Khan calls for an investigation after Airbus jet come down near Karachi, killing dozens |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/pakistan-plane-crash-today-update-pia-karachi-airport-jinnah-lahore-a9527941.html |last1=Calder |first1=Simon |last2=Hamdani |first2=Raza |date=22 May 2020 |website=The Independent |access-date=22 May 2020}}

The day following the accident, Pakistani officials confirmed 97 fatalities on the aircraft.{{Cite news|date=23 May 2020|title=Pakistan says 97 killed and two survived Karachi plane crash, after ending rescue operation|work=South China Morning Post |agency=Agence France-Presse|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3085757/80-bodies-recovered-so-far-more-feared-dead-pakistan-plane|access-date=25 May 2020}} Among the fatalities were Zara Abid and five officers of the Pakistani Army. The two survivors of the accident, Zafar Masud and Mohammad Zubair, were sent to Dar-ul-Sehat Hospital and Civil Hospital respectively and were reported in stable condition.

On the ground, the spokeswoman of Sindh Health Department Meeran Yousaf reported said eight residents of Model Colony were injured in the crash and most victims' corpses had suffered burns. Due to the fact that the accident occurred on a Friday and most men were at a nearby mosque for Friday morning prayers, most of the ground injuries were women and children.{{refn|group=note|name=injuries}} Faisal Edhi of the Edhi Foundation said 25–30 people were hospitalized, mostly due to burns.{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-plane-crash-pia-flight-karachi-airport-jinnah-garden-model-colony-death-toll-1681006-2020-05-23 |title=97 dead, 2 survived as Pakistan plane crashes into crowded Karachi colony |work=India Today |date=23 May 2020 |access-date=23 May 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Hassan |first1=Syed Raza |last2=Greenfield |first2=Charlotte |title='No Eid in our home': Pakistani families mourn crash victims |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-airplane-crash-families-idUSKBN2310HK/ |access-date=25 May 2020 |publisher=Reuters |date=25 May 2020}}{{cite news |title=Survivor recalls horror of Karachi crash |url=https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202005/24/WS5ec9decaa310a8b241157e51.html |access-date=24 May 2020 |publisher=China Daily |date=24 May 2020}} Ten days after the accident, one of the injured people on the ground, a 13-year-old cleaning the upper floor of a house with her two sisters, died in the hospital due to burn injuries.{{Cite web|last1=Ashfaque|first1=Azfar-ul|last2=Hasan|first2=Shazia|date=2020-06-02|title=Girl injured on ground when plane crashed loses battle with burns|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1560662|access-date=2020-06-02|publisher=Dawn}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.laprensalatina.com/girl-12-injured-in-pakistan-plane-crash-succumbs-to-injuries/ |title=Girl, 12, injured in Pakistan plane crash succumbs to injuries |date=1 June 2020 |work=La Prensa Latina |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603190548/https://laprensalatina.com/girl-12-injured-in-pakistan-plane-crash-succumbs-to-injuries/ |archive-date=3 June 2020 |access-date=1 June 2020}}

DNA testing was used to identify most of the victims. Within three weeks of the crash, 95 of the victims were identified by the Forensic Lab

of Karachi University and Punjab Forensic Science Agency with two remaining unidentified.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=150}}{{Cite news|author=Ashfaque|first=Azfar-ul|date=11 June 2020|title=Govt ready to include global pilots' body in crash probe|work=Dawn|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1562757|access-date=23 June 2020}}{{cite news |title=Two dead bodies from PK-8303 remain unidentified: sources |url=https://arynews.tv/two-dead-bodies-from-pk-8303-remain-unidentified/ |access-date=8 March 2025 |publisher=ARY News |date=6 June 2020}} The Edhi Foundation reported about 19 bodies being taken away by relatives by force from its morgue, without providing proof to establish identity or waiting for identification through DNA testing.{{Cite news|last=Butt|first=Tariq|date=27 May 2020|title=19 bodies of PIA crash victims forcibly taken away from morgue: Edhi|work=Gulf Today|url=https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2020/05/27/19-bodies-of-pia-crash-victims-forcibly--taken-away-from-morgue|access-date=27 May 2020}} Some families of the victims have alleged that the DNA identification tests carried out by the authorities were improper, accusing them of delay and misidentification.{{Cite news|date=14 June 2020|title=Plane crash: Families question DNA sampling by Sindh forensic lab|work=Pakistan Today|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2020/06/14/plane-crash-families-question-dna-sampling-by-sindh-forensic-lab/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614102700/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2020/06/14/plane-crash-families-question-dna-sampling-by-sindh-forensic-lab/ |archive-date=14 June 2020|access-date=23 June 2020}}

The investigation was conducted by Aircraft Accident Investigation Board of Pakistan (AAIB). Airbus stated they would be providing assistance to the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) who would be helping with the investigation.{{cite web |title=PK8303 Crisis Statement Page |url=https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/statements/pk8303-crisis.html |date=22 May 2020 |publisher=Airbus |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623004735/https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/statements/pk8303-crisis.html |archive-date=23 June 2020 |access-date=22 May 2020}}{{Cite web |title=Airbus to provide full technical cooperation to PIA, Air France, and CFM International: letter |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/289723-airbus-to-provide-full-technical-cooperation-to-pia-air-france-and-cfm-international-letter |date=24 May 2020 |publisher=Geo TV |access-date=24 May 2020}} Subsequently, an 11-member Airbus team visited the crash site on 26 May.{{cite news |title=Airbus experts visit PIA plane crash site in Karachi as probe opens |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1559494/ |work=Dawn |publisher=AP |date=26 May 2020}} The aircraft's DFDR and CVR were recovered from the accident site and flown to France to be analyzed by the BEA.{{Cite news |date=24 May 2020|title=Black Box Of Crashed Pakistan Flight Found In Karachi |work=NDTV |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/black-box-of-crashed-pakistan-flight-found-in-karachi-2234016 |access-date=31 May 2020}}{{Cite news|date=28 May 2020|title=Cockpit Voice Recorder Recovered From Debris Of Crashed Pak Plane |work=NDTV |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/cockpit-voice-recorder-recovered-from-debris-of-crashed-pakistan-plane-spokesman-2236618 }}{{cite web |date=1 June 2020 |title=Black box of Pakistan flight PK8303 en route to France for air crash investigation |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/black-box-of-pakistan-flight-pk8303-en-route-to-france-for-air-crash-investigation-1.71803730 |publisher=Gulf News |access-date=3 June 2020}}

{{multiple image

| align = right

| direction = horizontal

| title = Indications of the holding pattern

| image1 = Hold at SABEN on the ND.jpg

| caption1 = Navigation display

| image2 = Hold at SABEN on the MCDU.jpg

| caption2 = Multi-function control and display unit

| footer = The crew had two indications that there was a holding pattern at SABEN to lose altitude: one on the navigation display and one on the multi-function control and display unit. The crew missed both of these indications.

}}

During the flight, the crew displayed disregard to several safety regulations. During cruise, the flight crew engaged in casual conversation, especially about the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite conversations not relevant to the safety of the flight such as these not being allowed below {{cvt|10,000|ft|m}} due to the sterile cockpit rule, the flight crew continued to converse in violation of the rule, which led to them never conducting an approach briefing. Their conversations also resulted in a failure to verbalize changes to the flight mode annunciator (FMA) and the temporary loss of radio contact.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=118–120}}

The crew's lack of situational awareness and crew resource management (CRM) was demonstrated several times during the descent. They failed to notice the two indications of the holding pattern at SABEN: one on the navigation display and one on the multi-function control and display unit. This resulted in their failure to notice the indicated track miles was greater than the amount the aircraft flew. The crew was overconfident and complacent as they did not communicate or crosscheck with each other with the position of the aircraft.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=122–124}}

The crew's failure to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) showed when they engaged open descent mode on final approach despite it being prohibited during that phase of flight. When ATC told the flight about their position, the crew disregarded their suggestions of taking an orbit and continued with the unstable approach. The crew failed to properly consider their options in violations of SOPs and were focused in on the approach without considering their altitude (lack of situational awareness).{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=125–127}} When the autopilot disconnected due to excessive nose down pitch, the crew failed to verbalize the master caution warning or the FMA caution, and did not establish who was in control of the aircraft. Despite the required procedure after a GPWS activation being to a terrain escape manoeuvre to climb away from the terrain, the crew failed to do so after the GPWS activated, demonstrating their lack of situational awareness.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=132}}

After First Officer Azam raised the landing gear and speed brakes, he failed to communicate his action with Captain Gul who remained insistent on landing the aircraft. Neither crew member acknowledged the master caution warnings after the extension of the flaps the "landing gear not down" ECAM warning, nor did they conduct an orbit at the instruction of ATC. Despite being on an unstabilized approach, the crew made no callouts about the aircraft's position in violation of SOPs. Gul assuming control over the aircraft without any callouts showed improper CRM as there was no conversation about who was actually in control of the flight.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=133–134}}

During the landing attempt, full reverse thrust was selected on both engines despite the aircraft still being airborne, against SOPs. The flight crew then initiated a go-around despite being on the ground for 18 seconds. This was against standard procedure which dictates that flight crews must not go-around after reverse thrust selection. They demonstrated poor airmanship by deciding to go-around after the engine two fire warning rather than trying to stop on the runway. After the go-around, the crew failed to properly discuss the gear-up landing or a second approach to Runway 25L, demonstrating a lack of situational awareness. The lack of situational awareness was also shown when the crew reduced power to the still functional engine two rather than the failing engine one.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=135–136}}

The investigation highlighted several factors in relation to the performance of the flight crew. Captain Gul had a history of excessive flight hours; an analysis of his flying hours between 2017 and 2019 showed that he flied 33% more than the average for all other PIA A320 captains and he was issued a notice by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) about exceeding duty time limitations. In 2014, he was considered for a supervisory position on ATR aircraft but was not recommended due to lack of technical knowledge and general awareness. An analysis of Gul's flights in the twelve months prior to the accident showed multiple high-speed approaches, excessively high approaches, high rates of descent, long flare distances, GPWS warnings, a lack of go-arounds, and unstabilized approaches. As part of the investigation, an aviation psychologist wrote, "He was of bossy nature, firm, dominant and overbearing. He had below average intelligence. He [tended] to have little regard for the authority. He had low mechanical comprehension with low comprehension of space relations. His level of stress tolerance was also quite inadequate." During Gul's first psychiatric evaluation, he was not recommended for a cadet pilot position by the panel at PIA. Subsequently, he got declared fit for cadet pilot by five other psychiatrists. Although the PIA psychiatric panel initially denied Gul's application, but after he filed a petition to the Wafaqi Mohtasib, they sided in his favor and he was declared fit.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=117–118, 137, 148}}

First Officer Azam also had difficulties in his past. During initial simulator checks on ATR aircraft in July 2014, he passed with three "satisfactory with briefing" remarks on engine failure after V₁, emergency procedures, and procedure execution and adherence. Later during his initial line check in December, he passed with two more satisfactory with briefing remarks. As a result, he was placed under supervision by a Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) inspector the next year which withheld his promotion to an A320 first officer in February 2016.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=118}}

The AAIB determined that the flight crew failed to adhere to standard operating procedures and apply proper crew resources management.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=55}}

As the crash occurred during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, the AAIB conducted tests and research to discover whether fasting might have impaired the flight crew's performance. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset. Fasting can affect the normal human day-night routine, circadian rhythms, levels of hydration, and blood sugar levels.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=148}} PCAA regulations state that pilots shall not fly while under the effects of fasting.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=97}} The AAIB conducted two studies in flight simulators in relation to the effects of fasting: one to study the performance of dehydrated pilots against a control group; and one to compare the performance of pilots with low blood sugar levels against pilots with excessive blood alcohol levels, pilots exposed to excessive noise, and a control group. For the first study, results showed that dehydrated pilots had worse flight performance and spatial cognition compared to properly hydrated pilots. For the second study, results showed that pilots with low blood sugar levels deviated the most from a set vertical axis, horizonal axis, and airspeed, followed by pilots with excessive blood alcohol levels. The flight crew on Flight 8303 were likely fasting during flight; the CVR showed that a flight attendant offered them snacks, but they refused the offer. The AAIB concluded that the judgement of the flight crew was likely impaired due to

effects of fasting, although it did not determine its fully consequences.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=99–100, 148–149}} Additionally, manuals at PIA did not make it clear what the regulations on fasting were at the airline.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=155, 158}}

During the accident sequence, including the belly landing, Flight 8303 was in contact with Karachi Approach ATC. During the flight, the flight crew disregarded multiple instructions from ATC to conduct an orbit to lose altitude. The AAIB noted that ATC did not communicate with the flight regarding the belly landing. The airport controller communicated via landline to the Karachi Approach controller and told him to inquire about the landing gear's position, but this was never done.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=139}}

The AAIB examined the flight operations quality assurance (FOQA) program in place at PIA. FOQA programs are designed to analyze recorded flight data on a routine basis to identify patterns across them, identify risks, and build up a safety management system (SMS).{{cite web |title=Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) |url=https://skybrary.aero/articles/flight-data-monitoring-fdm |publisher=SKYbrary |access-date=4 April 2025}} An audit by the PCAA found deficiencies in PIA's implementation of their FOQA. The FOQA rate for the airline was less than 5%, meaning over 95% of flights were not analyzed in the FOQA program. For Captain Gul, only 6 out of his last 289 flights flown in the year before the crash were analyzed. Between June and September 2019, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) assessed the SMS at PIA and deemed it insufficient due to: safety data software still under development; failure to address safety reports; failure to prove implementation of recommended training guidance; and incomplete safety performance indicators. These issues were not addressed by the time of the accident.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=136–138}}

The PCAA oversight of PIA was also criticized by the AAIB. The AAIB determined that the oversight program for PIA's FOQA was inadequate and failed to create timely improvement. The monitoring system was ineffective at identifying CRM training failures at the airline, as shown by inadequate CRM shown during the flight.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=137, 158}}

On 25 February 2024, the AAIB released their final report, dated 20 April 2023.{{cite web |last1=Hradecky |first1=Simon |title=Crash: PIA A320 at Karachi on May 22nd 2020, impacted residential area during final approach, both engines failed as result of a gear up touchdown |url=https://avherald.com/h?article=4d7a6e9a |publisher=The Aviation Herald |access-date=4 April 2025 |date=25 February 2024}} They determined the following "primary causes" for the accident:

{{quote|

Aircraft made gears up landing where both engines’ nacelle made contact with runway. Both Engines were damaged causing loss of engine oil and lubrication which resulted in failure of both engines during go-around.

Non-adherence to SOPs and disregard of ATC instructions during the event flight.

Lack of communication between the ATC and the flight crew regarding gears up landing particularly once aircraft was on the runway.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=158}}}}

As "contributing causes", they listed:

{{quote|

Ineffective implementation of [FOQA] programme.

[FOQA] regulatory oversight programme was ineffective in producing sufficient and timely improvement.

Lack of clear and precise regulations to restrict flying while fasting.

Inadequate level of CRM application during the event flight.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=158}}}}

The AAIB issued five recommendations to PIA and seven recommendations to the PCAA. Among them included recommendations to effectively implement FOQA programs into the SMS at PIA, review CRM programs, ensure compliance of SOPs, and more specific regulations and oversight on fasting.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=160}}

President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan both gave condolences in the aftermath of the accident.{{cite news |title=Outpouring of grief: Nation comes together on PIA plane crash tragedy |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/289223-pia-plane-crash-nation-together-in-moment-of-tragedy |access-date=4 April 2025 |publisher=Geo News |date=22 May 2020}} Several public figures and celebrities across Pakistan expressed their sadness and shock at the accident.{{cite news|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/662296-pakistani-celebrities-express-sorrow-over-loss-of-lives-in-pia-plane-crash-in-karachi|title=Pakistani celebrities express sorrow over loss of lives in PIA plane crash in Karachi|work=The News International|date=22 May 2020|access-date=23 May 2020}} Many international leaders and celebrities also sent their condolences.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1558953/devastating-heartbreaking-international-local-leaders-react-to-pia-plane-crash|title='Devastating, heartbreaking': International, local leaders react to PIA plane crash|date=22 May 2020|access-date=23 May 2020|work=Dawn}}{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/celebrities/karachi-plane-crash-anil-kapoor-anupam-kher-shabana-azmi-and-others-mourn-the-loss-of-lives-619698|title=Karachi Plane Crash: Anil Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Shabana Azmi and others mourn the loss of lives|date=23 May 2020|access-date=23 May 2020|publisher=India TV}}

Pakistan had allowed domestic flights to resume, following suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic, six days earlier on 16 May.{{refn|All flights had been suspended on 29 March; international flights were not scheduled to resume until 1 June.{{Cite news |last1=Saifi |first1=Sophia |last2=Raja |first2=Adeel |last3=Laura |first3=Smith-Spark |date=22 May 2020 |title=Dozens killed as Pakistani airliner crashes in Karachi |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/22/asia/pakistan-plane-crash/index.html|access-date=22 May 2020}}|group=note}} Since the crash occurred during the last days of Ramadan, many people were expected to travel to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with their families. The pandemic had already stretched the healthcare resources of the city and the crash intensified the burden. The government announced a compensation of {{PKR|link=yes|1 million}} (₨ 10 lakh, US$6,250) each for the families of those killed, and {{PKR|500,000}} (₨ 5 lakh, US$3,125) each for the two survivors.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1559147/aviation-minister-announces-rs1-million-compensation-for-those-killed-in-plane-crash |title=Aviation minister announces Rs1 million compensation for those killed in plane crash|work=Dawn|date=23 May 2020|access-date=24 May 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://pakobserver.net/compensation-announced-for-plane-crash-vicims-rs1m-for-those-killed-rs-5-lakh-for-injured-airbus-last-checked-on-march-21-returned-from-muscat-a-day-ago/|title=Compensation announced for plane crash victims |work=Pakistan Observer |date=24 May 2020|access-date=24 May 2020}}

{{see also|Pakistan International Airlines#Pilot licensing scandal}}

On 24 June 2020, Pakistan aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan revealed to the parliament that 262 out of the 860 pilots in the country did not have authentic licenses and alleged that they paid someone else to take their exam for them. The following day, PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan announced that the airline had grounded 150 of their 434 pilots based on "bogus" licenses.{{cite news |last1=Hashim |first1=Asad |title=Pakistan airline suspends 150 pilots over alleged licence fraud |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/6/26/pakistan-airline-suspends-150-pilots-over-alleged-licence-fraud |access-date=4 April 2025 |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=26 June 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Saifi |first1=Sophia |last2=Gan |first2=Nectar |title=Almost 1 in 3 pilots in Pakistan have fake licenses, aviation minister says |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/25/business/pakistan-fake-pilot-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=4 April 2025 |publisher=CNN |date=25 June 2020}}{{Cite web|date=25 June 2020 |title=Pakistan International Airlines grounds 150 pilots over "bogus" licenses after deadly crash|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pakistan-international-airlines-grounds-150-pilots-bogus-licenses-deadly-crash-flight-8303-karachi/|access-date=13 July 2020 |publisher=CBS News}}{{refn|Later reports indicate that far fewer Pakistani pilots actually had their license suspended. ARY News reported in July 2020 that the PCAA suspended the licenses of 48 PIA pilots. At the same time, The News International reported that seven PIA pilots lost their jobs in addition to the 48 who had their licesne suspended.{{cite news |title=PIA sacks seven pilots, an airhostess |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/688947-pia-sacks-seven-pilots-an-airhostess |access-date=4 April 2025 |publisher=The News International |date=19 July 2020}} Al Jazeera reported in September that 50 pilot licenses were revoked permanently and 32 were suspended for a year.{{cite news |title=UN body advises Pakistan to stop issuing pilots’ licenses: Report |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2020/9/25/un-body-advises-pakistan-to-stop-issuing-pilots-licenses-report |access-date=4 April 2025 |publisher=Al Jazerra |date=25 September 2020}} The AAIB found that both of the crew involved in Flight 8303 had valid licenses.{{sfn|AAIB|2024|pp=36}}|group=note}} 30 June, PIA was banned from flying into the European Union for six months for failing multiple safety tests and for failing to properly implement a safety management system, as stated in a letter sent to PIA from the EASA. The EASA stated that the decision could be appealed.{{cite news |title=PIA banned from flying to EU states for six months |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1566153 |access-date=4 April 2025 |agency=Dawn |publisher=Reuters |date=30 June 2020}} The EASA also banned the airline from flying to the United Kingdom.{{Cite web|date=2020-06-30|title=Pakistan International has been banned from flying to and from Europe for six months|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/pakistan-international-airlines-flight-ban-pia-crash-europe-uk-a9594101.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/pakistan-international-airlines-flight-ban-pia-crash-europe-uk-a9594101.html |archive-date=24 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=2020-07-13|website=The Independent|language=en}} On 9 July, PIA was banned from flying to the United States.{{cite news |title=U.S. bans Pakistan International Airlines flights over pilot concerns |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-airlines-usa-idUSKBN24A3HV/ |access-date=13 July 2020 |publisher=Reuters |date=9 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713090039/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-airlines-usa-idUSKBN24A3HV/ |url-status=live |archive-date=13 July 2020}}{{cite news |title=US bans Pakistan’s PIA flights over pilots’ fake license scandal |url=https://laprensalatina.com/us-bans-pakistans-pia-flights-over-pilots-fake-license-scandal/ |access-date=13 July 2020 |publisher=La Prensa Times |date=10 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713191047/https://laprensalatina.com/us-bans-pakistans-pia-flights-over-pilots-fake-license-scandal/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 July 2020}} On 27 December, the EASA extended the ban for another three months, citing a lack of a safety audit.{{cite news |title=European Union aviation body extends ban on Pakistan International Airlines by three months |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2020/Dec/27/european-unionaviation-body-extends-ban-on-pakistan-international-airlines-by-three-months-2241804.html |access-date=4 April 2025 |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=27 December 2020}}

In April the following year, the ban was extended indefinitely and the EASA stated that it would remain in place until a proper safety audit on the airline had been done.{{Cite news |last=Asghar |first=Mohammed |date=2021-04-08 |title=European Union Aviation Safety Agency extends travel restrictions on PIA |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1616978 |access-date=2021-07-28 |work=Dawn}} On 29 November 2024, the EASA lifted the EU ban, confirming that PIA had passed its safety audit and that the PCAA had established sufficient oversight over PIA.{{cite news |last1=Casey |first1=David |title=EASA Lifts Pakistan International Airlines Flight Ban |url=https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/safety-ops-regulation/easa-lifts-pakistan-international-airlines-flight-ban |access-date=4 April 2025 |publisher=Aviation Week |date=29 November 2024}}

{{Portal|Pakistan|Aviation}}

• List of accidents and incidents involving commercial aircraft
• List of accidents and incidents involving the Airbus A320 family
• Pacific Western Airlines Flight 314 (1978) – Another accident involving a go-around after reverse thrust selection
• Malév Flight 262 (2000) — Another accident involving a go-around after belly landing

{{Reflist|group=note}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite report |date=20 April 2023 |title=Accident of Pakistan International Airlines Flight PIA 8303 Airbus A320-214 Aircraft Registration number AP-BLD crashed near Jinnah International Airport Karachi on 22^nd May, 2020 |url=https://avherald.com/files/(PUBLIC%20VERSION)%20FINAL%20INVESTIGATION%20REPORT%20PIA%208303%20AP-BLD.pdf |publisher=Aircraft Accident Investigation Board |via=The Aviation Herald |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229091725/https://avherald.com/files/(PUBLIC%20VERSION)%20FINAL%20INVESTIGATION%20REPORT%20PIA%208303%20AP-BLD.pdf |archive-date=29 December 2024 |access-date=25 February 2024 |ref = {{harvid|AAIB|2024}}}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://avherald.com/files/(PUBLIC%20VERSION)%20FINAL%20INVESTIGATION%20REPORT%20PIA%208303%20AP-BLD.pdf Final report] — Aircraft Accident Investigation Board of Pakistan
• [https://caapakistan.com.pk/Upload/SIBReports/AAIB-431.pdf Preliminary report] — Aircraft Accident Investigation Board of Pakistan
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20200710231423/https://www.piac.com.pk/corporate/press-releases Press releases] — Pakistan International Airlines
• [https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/pakistan-international-airlines-flight-8303-crashes-near-karachi/ Flight information and data] — Flightradar24
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZgXOx2irW8 Compilation of videos and photos showing the immediate aftermath of the accident, includes CCTV footage of crash] — on YouTube
• [https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/319173 Accident description] — on the Aviation Safety Network
• [https://avherald.com/h?article=4d7a6e9a Accident article] – on The Aviation Herald
• [https://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2020-05-22/662293_4823753_List-01_updates.jpg Passenger list (1–59)] – Provided to The News International
• [https://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2020-05-22/662293_6837110_List-02_updates.jpg Passenger list (60–91)] – Provided to The News International

{{Aviation accidents and incidents in Pakistan}}

{{Aviation accidents and incidents in 2020}}

{{Pakistan International Airlines}}

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Category:Accidents and incidents involving the Airbus A320

Category:Aviation accidents and incidents in 2020

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