Shaheen Air crash landing: Pilot was under the influence of alcohol, report finds

Published
90

KARACHI: The Shaheen Air International pilot commandeering flight NL-142 which crash-landed at Lahore airport earlier this month was intoxicated and fatigued at the time of landing, a medical report reveals.

At least 10 passengers were injured as the Karachi-Lahore flight carrying over a hundred people crash landed at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport, skidding off the runway when faulty landing gear caused a tyre to burst.

Earlier reports said the pilot of the aircraft had given prior intimation to airport authorities regarding the fault in the landing gear before making the emergency landing.

In an official press release by the Civil Aviation Authority titled 'Snap/random medical tests of cockpit and cabin crew', the CAA stated that it has conducted a medical investigation involving the cockpit crew following the incident. The press release stated that the "the pilot in command had an unacceptable level of blood alcohol and lactate. The lactate indicates that the pilot was fatigued". The press release quoting Director General (DG) CAA Amjad Ali Toor outlined these reasons for the crash landing.

A copy of the CAA press release.
A copy of the CAA press release.

The DG CAA asked airlines to ensure their pilots "maintain highest levels of aviation standards and refrain from flying under the influence of alcohol".

He said all operators would need to be more vigilant while enforcing discipline amongst their cockpit and cabin crew to prevent future occurrences of similar incidents.

Toor said the CAA would also make efforts to ensure compliance with flight safety standards.

The CAA has in the past failed to take regulatory action against violators of air safety laws.

Earlier this year, the authority and flight operator were slammed for inaction in the face of violation of rules by 'influential' pilot Qasim Hayat who operated a Toronto-bound flight without mandatory 24-hour rest.

Last year, flight inspector Arif Majeed was let off the hook for flying a passenger flight despite not being authorised to do so.

Opinion

Editorial

Privatisation framework
Updated 27 Oct, 2026

Privatisation framework

The proposed merger of the Privatisation Commission and the Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3A) into a single institution is a sensible move.
Chromebook scheme
Updated 27 Oct, 2026

Chromebook scheme

Technology can widen opportunity, but only when it is tied to good teaching, reliable connectivity and clear educational purpose.
Dengue season
27 Oct, 2026

Dengue season

ANOTHER dengue outbreak looms over the country for reasons of lack of preparedness and negligence. This month’s...
Wheat price dilemma
Updated 26 Oct, 2026

Wheat price dilemma

A price no buyer is obliged or financially equipped to pay is only a number. Growers seem to have grasped this before the government did.
Encounter culture
Updated 26 Oct, 2026

Encounter culture

Whether police actions in "encounters" were legitimate or unlawful can only be established through credible investigations.
Recognising distress
26 Oct, 2026

Recognising distress

THE deaths of two families in Karachi, being investigated as suspected murder-suicides, raise disturbing questions...