PIA Crash: Poor Maintainace during COVID-19 restricted period cause the crash of PK-8303?
The pilot relay on aircraft sensors. Many types of sensors are used in aircraft. Like Flow sensors, Pressure sensors, Position sensors, Force and vibration sensors, Temperature sensors etc. Air data computers process the inputs from these sensors, apply compensating factors and present information on flight displays to the pilot. The wrong sensors output may cause to show the wrong data to pilot which is possibly look like the cause in this crash. The aircraft investigators should look into that whether the relevant maintenance procedures were carried out during the flight restricted period.
It is evidence that the engines were not running when the aircraft crashed. The ATC recordings shows that the pilots had trouble maintaining the prescribed height indicate that the engines weren’t producing enough thrust during the initial landing. The pilot’s response indicates that they were having trouble maintaining the prescribed height. The clips taken minutes before the crash, the aircraft can be seen with a high-nose up attitude, as the pilots probably tried to maintain height. But a high nose also reduces airspeed, specially, when the engines aren’t producing the required thrust.
Pakistan had restructed the flight operations due to coronavirus lockdown and restarted domestic flights last Saturday following a Covid lockdown. One of the aspects that may cause he air crash of PK-8303 maybe poor maintainace during ground period of plane. The aircraft investigators should look into that whether the relevant maintenance procedures were carried out during the flight restructed period. The operation and maintainace do have procedures to be followed during aircraft on ground for extended time due to coronavirus.
The pilot relay on aircraft sensors. Many types of sensors are used in aircraft. Like Flow sensors, Pressure sensors, Position sensors, Force and vibration sensors, Temperature sensors etc. Air data computers process the inputs from these sensors, apply compensating factors and present information on flight displays to the pilot.
The wrong sensors output may cause to show the wrong data to pilot which is possibly look like the cause in this crash. As per the recoding of voice talk between pilot and Air traffic control, the pilot was looks so calm even the ATC redar showing the inaccurate height. It is posibility that the sensors showing the wrong info to the pilot which latterly cause the crash.
According to experts "When aircraft have to be stored on ground for prolonged periods, there is a detailed procedure to be followed by the maintenance crew to ensure that systems of the aircraft do not get affected during that period. It is important to cover the probes where over a period of time dust can effect the sensors, engine inlets and the fuel ventilation inlets. It it may cause fuel issues and eventually an engine failure.
