Former PAF officer cites aircraft history while stressing possible technical factors behind the incident
ISLAMABAD: Retired Air Commodore Khalid Chishti has claimed that a reported navigation system malfunction may have played a key role in the recent cargo plane crash, while emphasizing that a comprehensive investigation is necessary to determine the exact cause.
Speaking on Hum News’ programme Faisla Aap Ka, Chishti said he personally knew the pilots operating the aircraft. According to him, the cargo plane dated back to 1990 and had previously experienced a significant technical issue affecting its autopilot and navigation systems.
He said the required replacement part had been ordered from the United States and later installed in Sharjah. Following testing and what he described as a satisfactory technical report, the aircraft was cleared and dispatched to Karachi.
Reported technical concerns before crash
Chishti further claimed that the pilot informed authorities shortly before the crash that the aircraft’s navigation system was not functioning properly. According to his account, the aircraft descended rapidly from an altitude of approximately 3,500 feet and struck the sea within about three minutes.
He described the reported rate of descent as unusual, saying the aircraft “came down like a stone,” which, in his view, raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigation expected to determine cause
While highlighting the reported navigation issue as the most significant information currently available, Chishti also said other possibilities should not be ruled out. He noted that there remains a possibility the aircraft may have been struck by an external object, although he did not provide evidence to support that suggestion.
He stressed that the pilot’s reported communication regarding navigation problems should receive careful attention during the official investigation.
Authorities have not yet released the final findings into the crash. Aviation investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s maintenance history, flight data, cockpit communications and other technical evidence before determining the cause of the accident.
ایئر کموڈور ریٹائرڈ خالد چشتی:
کارگو جہاز کے پائلٹ میرے دوست تھے، یہ جہاز 1990 کا تھا، جہاز میں ایک بڑا فالٹ تھا جس سے آٹو پائلٹ اور نیوی گیشن کا مسئلہ ہو جاتا ہے۔ اس کا پرزہ امریکا سے منگوایا گیا شارجہ میں پرزہ تبدیل ہوا اور اوکے رپورٹ کے بعد اس جہاز کو کراچی بھیجا گیا۔ پائلٹ… pic.twitter.com/JFx3HLncEC— Asma Shirazi (@asmashirazi) July 8, 2026
