[deanmine]

The Boeing 737-236A aircraft, en route from Karachi's Jinnah International Airport to Islamabad's Benazir Bhutto International Airport, tragically ended its journey in a severe weather-related disaster. All 127 individuals on board, comprising 121 passengers and 6 crew members, lost their lives, rendering this incident the second deadliest air disaster in Pakistan.

This ill-fated flight was notable for being the inaugural run of Bhoja Air's newly resumed Karachi-Islamabad service, after the airline's 12-year operational hiatus. Bhoja Air had previously suspended its operations in 2000 due to financial struggles, only to recommence in March 2012. The flight crew included Captain Noorullah Khan Afridi, 58, and First Officer Javaid Malik, 53.

As the aircraft approached Islamabad, it faced daunting weather conditions. The Lahore automatic terminal information service had issued warnings of clouds, thunder, and a looming dust storm. Despite these challenges and a suggestion by First Officer Malik to divert to Peshawar, Captain Afridi chose to proceed towards Islamabad.

The aircraft's final approach was fraught with difficulties. Turbulence and a squall line exacerbated the situation, compelling Captain Afridi to increase the aircraft's airspeed significantly. Despite being configured for landing, the plane encountered a severe downdraft, resulting in a rapid change in pitch and a decrease in airspeed. Despite alerts from the Ground Proximity Warning System and the Terrain Awareness Warning System, the crew struggled to regain control.

The last moments of Flight 213 were marked by chaos and desperate attempts to stabilize the aircraft. However, it tragically descended to the ground, crashing in the small village of Hussainabad in Rawalpindi, barely 4 nautical miles from the airport, amidst heavy rainfall. The impact was catastrophic, with the aircraft exploding on impact, scattering debris over a wide area.

[kellyhound]

tragedy

[Jere]

dude wants to shake your hand..