Pakistan has intensified efforts to locate and recover the black box and wreckage of a K2 Airways cargo aircraft that crashed into the sea near Ormara on July 7, as authorities explore international assistance and advanced deep-sea search technology. Nearly four months after the accident, the recovery operation faces significant technical challenges because the aircraft is believed to be lying at a depth of approximately 3,000 metres.
According to sources, the transmitter beacon attached to the black box stopped emitting signals about a month after the crash, making it more difficult for search teams to locate the device. The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recordings are considered important for helping investigators reconstruct the aircraft’s final moments and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Pakistan Navy previously used specialised equipment, including side-scan sonar, to survey the suspected crash site. Authorities are now reportedly contacting foreign specialists and international companies to assess advanced underwater search methods and determine the equipment required for a possible recovery operation.
The proposed search could use multibeam echo sounders to create detailed three-dimensional maps of the seabed. Autonomous underwater vehicles may also be deployed to scan the area with sonar, cameras and other sensors. Remotely operated vehicles could help investigators inspect suspected wreckage through high-definition cameras, lighting systems and robotic equipment.
Investigators may also consider magnetometers to identify magnetic variations associated with large metallic objects. A towed pinger locator could be used to search for acoustic signals from the black box, although its effectiveness may be limited if the transmitter beacon is no longer operational. Given the depth of the suspected crash site, specialised salvage vessels equipped with heavy-duty winches, cranes and remotely operated systems may be necessary to recover the wreckage.
According to sources, the aircraft-owning company will bear 50 per cent of the search costs. Raja Tariq, who reportedly owns up to 60 per cent of the company’s shares, has been informed of the decision. The recovery effort is expected to depend on suitable technology, international expertise and the ability to locate the wreckage accurately before salvage work begins.
