Max Air has been temporarily suspended for three months following a serious safety incident involving one of its Boeing 737 aircraft, registration number 5N-MBD. The aircraft suffered a nose wheel landing gear collapse and a rear tyre burst while landing on Runway 06/24 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) on Tuesday, January 28, 2024, at 10:50 pm. The aircraft, which had 53 passengers and six crew members on board, landed safely, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. This incident has raised significant concerns over the airline’s operational safety.
The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)‘s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, confirmed that the situation was under control, with all passengers safely disembarking. A landing gear collapse is regarded as a serious aviation incident by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and this incident, which occurred during the landing phase, has triggered investigations to understand the cause behind it. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated an inquiry into the matter. Bimbo Oladeji, the Director of Public Affairs at NSIB, explained that during the deceleration phase, while the aircraft was still under 60 knots, a loud bang was heard, followed by the plane veering sharply to the left. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the NSIB GoTeam has been dispatched to investigate further. The investigation will explore all possible causes, including technical failures, operational mistakes, or any procedural lapses that may have contributed to the incident.
As a result of the incident and the investigation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has mandated that Max Air suspend all its domestic flight operations for a three-month period, starting from midnight on January 31, 2025. This suspension will allow for an internal appraisal of the airline’s operational processes and systems. During this period, the NCAA will conduct a safety and financial audit to ensure the airline meets the required safety standards and is financially stable enough to continue safe operations. Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, emphasized that the safety and well-being of passengers are the top priority. He also acknowledged the inconvenience this action may cause but urged passengers to be patient and understanding while the airline undergoes the necessary evaluations.
The suspension comes after a series of concerning incidents involving Max Air in the past six months. In July 2024, a Max Air plane departing from Yola airport to Abuja had to abort its takeoff after all four of its tyres burst. In December of the same year, another Abuja-bound Max Air aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing after one of its engines caught fire. These incidents have raised serious questions about the airline’s safety protocols and the maintenance of its fleet.
With these events prompting heightened scrutiny, it is clear that Max Air faces significant challenges in regaining the confidence of passengers and the Nigerian civil aviation authorities. The coming months will be critical for the airline as it works to address the concerns raised by both the NCAA and the NSIB. The results of the ongoing investigation and audits will likely determine the future of the airline’s operations and its ability to resume services safely.
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