February 2 - 35th Anniversary of PIA DC-10 Hangar Fire at Karachi Airport

[Abbas Ali]

On February 2, 1981, PIA McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 registration AP-AXE was undergoing maintenance checks inside a hangar at Karachi Airport when fire erupted in aircraft cabin around 8:36 PM. Many of aircraft maintenance workers were on meal break at that time. The aircraft was burned-out and destroyed by fire.


Presence of the aircraft in hangar made situation difficult for fire fighting vehicles. The fire took one hour to get under control.

AP-AXE was built in 1974 and delivered to PIA as brand new aircraft on October 19, 1974.

Abbas

[747-300]

I wonder how did that aircraft fit in that small hanger ?

[umar744]

Late Capt Mian A Aziz was pilot DC10 AP-AXE nonstop from New York to Karachi 13hours in 1974

[Abbas Ali]

On October 21, 1974, AP-AXE as brand new aircraft under the command of Capt. Mian Aziz completed its delivery flight from New York to Karachi in 13 hours, 3 minutes and 53.2 seconds.

Here's a photo showing FAI (Federation Aeronautique International) representative presenting "Diplome de Record" certificate signed by Secretary General FAI to Capt. Mian Aziz (right) for completing New York to Karachi non-stop flight in record time.



To replace destroyed AP-AXE, PIA purchased a DC-10-30 in used condition from Alitalia in May 1983 and it was registered as AP-BBL.


AP-BBL seen at Paris-Orly Airport, France.

Abbas

[H Khan]

The news at that time was that PPP's terrorist wing Al-Zulfiqar took the responsibility for this sabotage.

[Abbas Ali]

Somewhere I read that short circuit in wiring of DC-10's cabin lighting was thought to be the cause of this incident.

Abbas

[CoyBoy]

Wasnt it sabotage? thats what a local paper had reported, the Star eveninger.

[umar744]

My old deaf friend's name is Waqar Quli worked PIA engineer 1978 to 2018 retired from PIA and he told me about on 2nd February 1981 he ate & drink cup of tea to saw other PIA engineer escaped ran away from inside AP-AXE DC10 when caught fire inside cabin then very fast burnt out high flame but Waqar said that other PIA engineer FORGOT switch turn off flood / big torch light that why light get very hot on AP-AXE's cabin floor. Yes all PIA staff break time for meal & cafe.