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New Delhi: A cargo aircraft operated by K2 Airways disappeared from radar on Tuesday night while flying from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates to Karachi, prompting Pakistani authorities to launch a large-scale search and rescue operation in the Arabian Sea. The aircraft was carrying five crew members when contact was lost following a reported mid-air technical issue.

Aircraft Reported Navigation System Problem

According to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the cargo flight informed air traffic controllers of a malfunction in its navigation system at around 9.18 pm (local time) while en route to Karachi.

Following the distress call, officials at the Karachi Area Control Center established communication with the aircraft and began providing navigational assistance in an effort to guide the flight safely.

Plane Vanishes From Radar

The situation deteriorated within minutes. The PAA said that at approximately 9.22 pm, radar data showed the aircraft making a rapid descent along with a sudden change in heading.

Soon afterwards, both radar contact and radio communication with the aircraft were lost around 155 nautical miles west of Karachi over the Arabian Sea.

The sudden disappearance has raised concerns about the possibility of an accident, although authorities have not confirmed the cause of the incident.

Search and Rescue Mission Underway

Following the loss of contact, the Pakistan Airports Authority activated the Rescue Coordination Center and launched a coordinated search and rescue operation involving multiple agencies.

Officials confirmed that five crew members were on board the aircraft at the time it disappeared. However, their identities have not yet been made public.

Investigation Continues

Authorities are continuing search efforts while investigators examine the sequence of events leading up to the aircraft’s disappearance. So far, officials have only confirmed that the crew had reported a navigation system malfunction before contact was lost.

Further updates are expected as rescue teams continue operations in the Arabian Sea and aviation authorities gather more information about the missing cargo aircraft.