Search underway after Boeing 737 cargo plane goes missing off Pakistan coast

A search is actively underway for a Boeing 737 cargo plane that disappeared off the coast of Pakistan late Tuesday night. The aircraft, operated by K2 Airways and carrying five crew members, lost contact with air traffic control after reporting a navigational system problem.

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Following the occurrence, the Rescue Coordination Centre was activated and a coordinated Search & Rescue operation at sea was launched through various agencies to locate the missing aircraft.

The Pakistan Airports Authority stated the plane was en route from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, to Karachi, Pakistan, when it encountered the issue. Karachi Area Control Center guided the aircraft, but radar showed it rapidly descending with a sudden change in heading before contact was lost west of Karachi.

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K2 Airways B 737 of Pakistan Cargo Flight enroute from Sharjah to Karachi at time 2118PST reported Navigational system issue and was promptly guided by KARACHI ACC– ⁠However; at time 2121PST aircraft was observed on RADAR rapidly descending and with rapid heading change,…

A coordinated Search & Rescue operation has been launched at sea, involving multiple agencies. K2 Airways has identified the five crew members on board and is fully cooperating with Pakistani aviation authorities. The airline expressed its deep concern, stating, "We continue to pray, earnestly, for the safety of our colleagues."

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We continue to pray, earnestly, for the safety of our colleagues.

Aviation experts find the abrupt loss of altitude puzzling, noting that even with engine failure, a plane would typically glide rather than plunge suddenly. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan conveyed his "deep grief" and "heartfelt sympathy" to the families of the missing crew.

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I still cannot understand how the plane went down so abruptly instead of gliding.