In a dramatic turn of events, 119 passengers narrowly escaped disaster when a Max Air Boeing 737 aircraft, registration 5N-ADB and flight number NGL1649, lost four of its tires during an attempted takeoff from Yola Airport in Adamawa on Sunday evening.
According to a statement by Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the incident occurred as the aircraft was cleared for takeoff.
The initial takeoff roll was disrupted by a loud bang, identified as the bursting of two rear gear tires. Subsequent attempts to taxi off the runway resulted in the bursting of the remaining two tires, leaving the aircraft disabled. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members were unharmed.
Oladeji confirmed that a go-team led by Alex Badeh, the NSIB Director General, has been dispatched to the scene to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the tire bursts and to ensure adherence to all safety protocols.
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This incident comes shortly after Max Air resumed domestic operations following an audit by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. It also follows a similar incident two months ago, when an XeJet Airlines plane veered off the runway at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) in Lagos. The XeJet aircraft, carrying 52 passengers, skidded off runway 18L upon landing, coming to a halt on the grass verge. No injuries were reported.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau confirmed the XeJet incident and deployed a team to investigate. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) subsequently suspended XeJet’s air operator certificate (AOC) and air transport license (AOL) due to issues with verifying the airline’s insurance documents.
As investigations continue, these incidents highlight ongoing concerns about aviation safety and operational protocols within the Nigerian air transport sector.
