Stowaway Survival on Kam Air Flight
An Afghan teenager managed to survive a perilous journey from Kabul to Delhi by hiding in the landing gear compartment of an A340 aircraft. The 13-year-old boy, reportedly from Kunduz city, emerged on the runway of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after the Kam Air flight RQ4401 landed at approximately 11:10 a.m. local time (05:40 GMT) on Sunday.
Details of the Flight and Risks Involved
The Airbus A340-300, registration YA-KMH, ascended to an altitude of 35,000 feet during the 2-hour and 30-minute flight across Pakistan. At such altitudes, temperatures can drop below -50°C, and oxygen becomes drastically scarce. Many stowaways lose consciousness, with some falling to their deaths when the landing gear deploys before landing.
Rare Survival Cases
While survival stories from such flights, particularly those bound for Europe or the United States, exist, most stowaway attempts end fatally.
Misguided Destination Intentions
According to reports by Indian media, including The Indian Express, the boy had aimed to reach Iran, unaware that he was boarding a plane bound for Delhi. He managed to sneak into Kabul airport by mingling with a group of passengers and slipping unnoticed into the landing gear bay.
Curiosity Over Safety
Security sources revealed that the boy cited curiosity as his motive for climbing into the plane’s rear central wheel well, with little understanding of the significant risks involved. He only carried a small red audio speaker during his journey.
Return to Kabul
Upon discovery, the Indian Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) detained and questioned the boy for several hours. Arrangements were made for his return to Kabul on the same aircraft.
