ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Friday slammed the media reports claiming the airline’s ATR-42 aircraft that crashed near Abbottabad was faulty.
“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,” PIA Spokesperson Danyal Gilani said.
“The ATR is perfectly safe for flying and is useful and economical on short haul flights in both hot and cold weather conditions,” he said and added that several of the said aircrafts are being operated by airlines in India and Europe.
Engine trouble is initially believed responsible for the recent deadly plane crash but several questions remain unanswered – stirring new worries about the safety record of the airline.
The plane was en route to Islamabad from Chitral when one of its two turboprop engines failed shortly after take-off, causing it to crash into the mountains of Batolni village of Havelian – killing all on board.
