The Aircraft Accident Investigation Board’s (AAIB’s) report on the December 2016 Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane crash near Havelian is based on assumptions and overlooks multiple technical details, stated a report submitted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to the Sindh High Court on Thursday.

A two-member bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, was presented the report during the hearing of a plea pertaining to the plane crash near Havelian.

According to the report, the ATR 42-500 aircraft, which nosedived in Abbottabad in 2016, resulting in 47 fatalities, had been inspected eight times between August 2015 and November 2016.

Moreover, all ATR aircraft were grounded following the crash due to noncompliance with some regulations, and since then, ATR aircraft belonging to the national flag carrier have been inspected 56 times, the report states.

As CAA officials presented the report during the hearing, Justice Mazhar was irked by the manner the report was submitted.

“You can at least compile it in a file,” rebuked the judge, emphasising that any documents should be submitted in accordance with the court’s convention.

The court directed the parties to submit counter replies on the CAA’s report, besides seeking the petitioner’s reply on documents submitted by the PIA. Further ordering the CAA technical director and other officials to ensure attendance at the next hearing, the court adjourned hearing till January 18, citing the petitioner’s absence.

Publised in Tribune, December 18, 2020