Boeing 737-340  (Abbas Ali Collection)

This photo taken at Doha Airport, Qatar, on September 3, 2006, shows PIA Boeing 737-340 (registration AP-BCC) missing elevator from its starboard tailplane (horizontal stabilizer). Under the command of Capt. Shayan Haqqee (click here to see photo) with First Officer Faisal Janjua, the Boeing 737-300 was flying as flight PK-257 from Karachi to Doha on September 3, 2006 when its elevator was blown off. After take-off from Karachi, during different phases of the flight, the crew experienced air frame vibration and informed ground engineers about the situation. During descent into Doha, the starboard side elevator separated from the aircraft with a loud bang and the Boeing 737 started shaking badly. Crew declared an emergency and continued approach to Doha Airport. On approach when they lowered the landing gear there was no indication in the cockpit. Approach was discontinued and it was decided to make a low pass at 1000ft over the Doha Airport to get a verification from airport's control tower for landing gear extension. A visual check of landing gear from cabin was also made. The aircraft made another approach and completed a safe landing. The high standard of flying skills shown by Capt. Shayan Haqqee and First Officer Faisal Janjua and the manner in which they handled a serious emergency situation gained appreciation from members of aviation community especially airline pilots and Pakistan Air Line Pilots' Association (PALPA). Capt. Shayan and First Officer Faisal richly deserve all appreciation for saving lives of passengers and PIA aircraft. AP-BCC was repaired at Doha Airport and returned to Karachi on September 6, 2006, under the command of Capt. Shayan with Faisal Janjua as First Officer