by Nurat Uthman
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says it has commenced investigation over an incident involving a Max Air plane in which its four tyres burst before takeoff.
In a statement on Sunday, signed by Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB’s director, public affairs and consumer protection, the bureau said the aircraft, departing from Yola airport to Abuja, aborted takeoff on the runway.
“This evening, Max Air’s flight NGL1649, a Boeing 737 with registration 5N-ADB, carrying 119 passengers and 6 crew members, was cleared for takeoff from Yola Airport en route to Abuja,” the statement reads.
“During the takeoff roll, a loud bang was heard, identified as the bursting of the rear gear tyres.
“Initially, two tyres burst. While attempting to taxi off the runway, the remaining two tyres also burst, rendering the aircraft completely disabled.”
According to the NSIB, no injuries were reported due to the incident.
“A go-team, led by NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr., will visit the incident site tomorrow morning to conduct an investigation,” the bureau said.
In July 2023, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) indefinitely suspended operations of all Boeing 737 aircraft of domestic carrier, Max Air, over unsafe occurrences.
The authority’s action was taken months after a Max Air aircraft reportedly crash-landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, in Abuja.
