Frantic search underway for crew after Boeing 737 wreckage found by officials

Officials in Pakistan are scrambling after a cargo plane with five crew members went missing on Tuesday evening, prompting an urgent search.

The flight, K2 Airways Flight 1732, had departed from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates earlier that day.

Just minutes before contact was lost, the crew reported a "navigation system problem." Radar data later showed the aircraft rapidly descending before contact was lost.

According to aviation databases Airfleets.net and Planespotters.net, the aircraft was a roughly 27-year-old Boeing 737-400 freighter, registration AP-BOI. It was K2 Airways' only aircraft.

Speaking to local outlet ARY News, aviation expert Imran Aslam said the flight's rapid descent was unusual.

"I still cannot understand how the plane went down so abruptly instead of gliding," he said, per the AP.

Pakistani officials said search-and-rescue operations are underway in the Arabian Sea after military and civilian authorities were activated in response to the disappearance.

A Pakistan navy ATR aircraft departed from Turbat, about 270 miles west of Karachi, to assist.

According to K2 Airways' website, the airline was established in 2018, and its inaugural Boeing 737-400SF aircraft arrived in Karachi on July 1, 2024.

"We aim to expand our fleet and operations, further solidifying our position as a leader in Pakistan's aviation," says the site.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.