….NCAA suspends airline’s domestic operations for safety audit
…FAAN reacts
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Following a serious incident involving Max Air’s Boeing 737-400 marked 5N-MBD wherein it experienced a nose wheel landing gear collapse and a rear tire burst while landing on Runway 06/24 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has begun probing the incident.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:48 PM local time on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
According to the accident investigating body, the jetliner, flying from Lagos to Kano with 53 passengers and six crew members onboard, landed on runway 06.
NSIB, in a statement released by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, its Spokesperson, the incident occurred 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.
Also commenting on the incident, Mr. Michael Achimugu
Director, Consumer Protection and Public Affairs of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) noted that as expected, the NSIB has since initiated investigation into the occurrence.
He assured that the NCAA will provide the required support to the NSIB in this regard.
“It must be stated that the specific cause(s) of this incident can only be established after the NSIB has conducted its investigation.
“It is instructive to note that the NCAA had commenced organizational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, which is nearing its conclusion.
However, as a result of this incident, Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for a period of three months with effect from midnight, 31st January, 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management.
“During this 3-month period, the NCAA will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air.
The safety audit will entail a re-inspection of Max Air’s organization, procedures, personnel and aircraft as specified by Part 1.3.3.3(b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, while the economic audit will critically examine the financial health of the airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations.
The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be predicated on the satisfactory completion of this audit.
The NCAA 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, the NCAA appeals for patience and understanding while it ensures the protection of passenger rights.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), while speaking to the incident, said the Max Incident was swiftly attended to as emergency services responded promptly, and the incident was managed according to the emergency response plan.
Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, in a statement, added that the aircraft has been towed to Bay 5 for further investigation, where the NSIB takes it up from there.
“The runway was opened at 08:00hrs, after cleaning and normal flight operations resumed”, she added.
