Overview
• Operator: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
• Aircraft Model: Airbus A320-200
• Registration: AP-BLC
• Flight Number: PK-203
• Route: Lahore (LHE) to Dubai (DXB)
• Date: 18 February 2025
• Occupants: Not specified
• Casualties: None reported
• Nature of Incident: Bird strike resulting in engine ingestion
Incident Summary
A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Airbus A320-200, operating as flight PK-203, was departing Lahore’s runway 36R en route to Dubai when it suffered a bird strike that led to engine ingestion (CFM56 engine).
Following the strike, the crew levelled off at 3,000 feet and decided to return to Lahore as a precaution. The aircraft landed safely on runway 36R approximately 35 minutes after departure.
A replacement A320-200 (AP-BLS) was dispatched and reached Dubai with a delay of approximately 5.5 hours.
The affected engine underwent a borescopic inspection, and the aircraft was cleared for return to service approximately 45.5 hours after landing.
Sequence of Events
Pre-incident Conditions:
• Routine departure from Lahore (LHE) runway 36R.
• No prior technical issues reported before takeoff.
In-flight Occurrence:
• Shortly after liftoff, one of the CFM56 engines ingested a bird, triggering abnormal engine performance indications.
• The crew stopped the climb at 3,000 feet to assess the situation.
• A decision was made to return to Lahore as a precautionary measure.
Landing & Emergency Response:
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 36R about 35 minutes after departure.
• No reports of passenger injuries or aircraft handling issues during landing.
• The affected engine was shut down and subjected to further inspections.
Investigation & Initial Findings
• The CFM56 engine was removed from service for borescopic inspection to assess internal damage.
• Bird ingestion is a known hazard at Lahore Airport, prompting routine wildlife hazard management efforts.
• No structural damage to the aircraft beyond the affected engine was reported.
• The aircraft was returned to service after 45.5 hours following necessary inspections and maintenance.
Analysis & Safety Recommendations
• Enhanced bird control measures at Lahore Airport are critical to mitigating bird strike risks.
• Engineers should conduct thorough borescopic inspections to identify internal fan blade or compressor damage before releasing an aircraft back into service.
• Airlines operating in bird-prone regions should continue to follow strict pre-flight awareness procedures, including runway bird activity monitoring.
• Pilots should be prepared for asymmetric thrust scenarios in case of engine damage from bird ingestion.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 22 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
