Key facts
- A Boeing 737 cargo plane operated by K2 Airways disappeared off the coast of Pakistan on Tuesday night.
- The flight was en route from Sharjah, UAE, to Karachi, Pakistan.
- The aircraft reported a navigational system issue before losing contact with air traffic control.
- Flight tracking data suggests a rapid descent and potential crash into the sea southwest of Karachi.
- Five crew members were on board the flight.
- Search and rescue operations have been launched by Pakistani authorities.
A Pakistan-registered Boeing 737 cargo plane, operated by K2 Airways, disappeared off the coast of Pakistan on Tuesday night while en route from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates to Karachi. The aircraft, which had five crew members on board, lost contact with air traffic control after reporting a navigational system problem.
According to Pakistan aviation authorities, the plane reported the issue at 9:18 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time. Air traffic control attempted to guide the aircraft, but three minutes later, radar systems showed a rapid descent, and communication was lost. At the time of lost contact, the flight was approximately 287 kilometers west of Karachi.
Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 indicated that the 27-year-old converted freighter experienced extreme altitude changes, including a plunge of about 5,000 feet in less than a minute, a surge of 6,000 feet in 30 seconds, and a final dive from 36,550 feet. The last transmitted data showed the aircraft at 1,100 feet with a vertical rate of minus 22,400 feet per minute, suggesting a potential crash into the sea southwest of Karachi.
K2 Airways stated it is cooperating with Pakistani authorities and expressed prayers for the safety of its colleagues. Boeing had not immediately responded to requests for comment. The aircraft is part of Boeing's older 737 family, distinct from the 737 MAX. This particular plane is K2 Airways' only aircraft and had not flown since June 28.