Max Air Plane
By Abdullahi Abubakar
The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, and over 100 passengers escaped death by a whisker as a the engine of a Max Air aircraft went up in flame shortly after take off from the Maiduguri International Airport.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday when the aircraft, en route to Abuja, suffered engine failure caused by a bird strike about 10 minutes into the flight. The pilot and crew managed to execute an emergency landing back at Maiduguri Airport, averting disast
One of the passengers who craved for anonymity confided in NATIONAL WAVES that the incident happened shortly after takeoff. He added that the aircraft was struck by a bird mid-air, which caused one of the engines to catch fire. The pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers.”
Following the emergency landing, passengers were reportedly in a state of panic, with many opting to collect their luggage and return home rather than board another flight. However, Max Air management promptly arranged for another aircraft from Kano to transport resilient passengers, including the Deputy Governor, safely to Abuja.
The ill-fated aircraft remains grounded at Maiduguri International Airport, undergoing extensive repairs. Investigations into the incident are currently underway.
The airport authorities have reassured passengers of their commitment to safety and thanked the crew for their professionalism in managing the situation.
