The operations of Max Air have been suspended for three months after a Boeing 737 with registration 5N-MBD, belonging to the airline, 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 10:50pm.
The Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Obiageli Orah, said the aircraft had 53 passengers and six crew members onboard the aircraft and no one suffered any injury.
A landing gear collapse is usually classified as a serious incident under ICAO Annex 19 and it usually occurs when the front landing gear of an aircraft fails to properly support the aircraft during landing, takeoff, or taxiing.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) also gave a statement on the incident, saying it has launched an investigation into the
incident. NSIB’s Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, said the aircraft, flying from Lagos to Kano landed on runway 06. During the deceleration phase, while still under 60 knots and with the thrust reversers engaged, a loud bang was heard, followed by the aircraft veering sharply to the left.
“The flight crew promptly regained control and safely brought the aircraft to a stop.
All 53 passengers and crew members safely disembarked, and no injuries were reported. The NSIB has deployed its GoTeam to the site of the incident.
The team’s investigation will focus on identifying the root cause, including any technical, operational, or procedural lapses,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said that the airline will suspend its domestic flight operations for three months with effect from midnight, January 31, 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management.
NCAA’s Director, Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, said during this period, the agency will conduct a safety and financial audit on the airline which will entail a re-inspection of Max Air’s organisation, procedures, personnel and aircraft as specified by Part 1.3.3.3(b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, while the financial audit will critically examine the health of the airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations.
“The NCAA had commenced organisational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, which is nearing its conclusion. The agency is aware of the inconvenience this action may cause intending passengers of Max Air. However; the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount. Thus, NCAA appeals for patience and understanding while it ensures the protection of passenger rights,” Achimugu said.
Max Air has suffered a series of serious incidents in the last six months. On July 22, 2024, a Max Air plane departing from Yola airport to Abuja, aborted takeoff after its four tyres burst. In December of the same year, an Abuja-bound Max Air aircraft made an emergency landing after one of its engines caught fire.
Source: Sun
