ATR statement on PIA flight PK661
Wednesday 07 December 2016
Toulouse, December 7, 2016 - ATR regrets to acknowledge the loss of an ATR 42-500 operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in an accident today at around 4:30 pm (local time). The flight PK661 was operating between Chitral and Islamabad.
The aircraft, registered under AP-BHO, was Serial Number 663.
At this time, the circumstances of the accident are unknown.
ATR expresses its deepest sympathy to the families and to those affected by the accident.
Once you have tasted flight, you will ever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward - Leonardo Da Vinci
Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopters arrived at heliport located near Islamabad Sports Complex from Abbottabad with dead bodies of flight PK-661 crash victims.
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has offered its Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft for the transportation of dead bodies of PIA flight PK-661 crash victims, according to news sources.
According to PTV News, PIA has arranged hotels accommodation in Islamabad/Rawalpindi for relatives of PK-661 crash victims. The airline will pay hotel expenses.
PIA officers at airline's help desk at Islamabad Airport are guiding relatives of PK-661 crash victims.
I have learnt here about the relationships of the crew to one another. While it is good for publicity, it is not a very good idea for husband and wife to fly together or for that matter two brothers both cockpit crew to be on the same flight.This is not a family affair but serious business in the air. I also object to father and son being together but an all women crew is acceptable so long as no relationship exists, blood or otherwise. Risk increases and scheduling should be careful in rostering. Pairing cockpit crew together does not mean to complete the formality but the right combination so that one can complement the other.
smhusain_1 wrote:I have learnt here about the relationships of the crew to one another. While it is good for publicity, it is not a very good idea for husband and wife to fly together or for that matter two brothers both cockpit crew to be on the same flight.This is not a family affair but serious business in the air. I also object to father and son being together but an all women crew is acceptable so long as no relationship exists, blood or otherwise. Risk increases and scheduling should be careful in rostering. Pairing cockpit crew together does not mean to complete the formality but the right combination so that one can complement the other.
A number of news channels and newspapers gave wrong/conflicting information of family/blood links between crew members. From latest reports it seems none of PK-661 crew members were part of a family.
PIA condolence message in today's (December 9) newspapers:
Our heartfelt condolences
Pakistan International Airlines extends its deepest condolences to the families of all who lost their lives in the tragic crash of PK661 on 7 December. The ATR 42 was carrying 42 passengers and 5 crew members.
We pray that the families have the strength to bear the loss of their loved ones and extend them our full support. PIA assures them that a full impartial investigation into the crash will be conducted in accordance with international standards.
Karachi: 09 Dec 2016 - ATR is perfectly safe for flying and is useful and economical on short haul flights in bothhot and cold weather conditions. Several of these aircraft are being operated by airlines in India and Europe.
PIA Spokesman said that media reports suggesting that there was some known defect in the aircraft before its last flight are also totally baseless. It defies common sense that pilots and engineers would fly an aircraft that does not meet safety standards, and risk their own lives.
Meanwhile, CEO PIA Bernd Hildenbrand visited the residences of PIA officials who lost their lives in the tragic crash of PK-661 and offered heartfelt condolences. The residences included Air Hostess, Asma Adil; Capt. Saleh Yar Janjua; First Officer, Aaly Akram; Aircraft Engineer Asim Waqas and First Officer Ahmed Janjua.
While saying that no amount of money can compensate for the loss of human life, he presented Rs. 500,000 cash to each of the bereaved family. This amount is only to meet funeral expenses and will be followed by a comprehensive compensation package as per law.
He was accompanied by Chief Operating Officer Capt. Qasim Hayat, Director Safety Capt. Naveed Aziz and Director Vigilance Brig. (R) Mohammad Asif.
According to PTV News, Safety Investigation Board (SIB) began flight PK-661 investigation today. A number of meetings in this regard took place today.
SIB has asked Pakistan CAA to provide record of ATC communication with PK-661 and asked PIA to provide technical/maintenance log book of the ill-fated ATR 42-500 (AP-BHO).
So far, SIB has not released any preliminary investigation report.
