The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says it has launched an investigation into the incident involving a Boeing 737-400 aircraft with registration 5N-MBD, operated by Max Air.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:48pm local time on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the Bureau, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji in a statement on Wednesday said it has deployed its GoTeam to the site of the incident.
The multimodal transport agency disclosed that its team’s investigation will focus on identifying the root cause, including any technical, operational, or procedural lapses.
According to preliminary information by the NSIB, the aircraft, flying from Lagos to Kano with 53 passengers and six crew members onboard, landed on runway 06.
It explained that 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 bureau noted that the flight crew promptly regained control and safely brought the aircraft to a stop, adding that all 53 passengers and crew members safely disembarked, and no injuries were reported.
“The NSIB remains committed to upholding the highest aviation safety standards and providing recommendations to prevent future occurrences. As the investigation progresses, further updates will be provided”, it added.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has disclosed that Max Air will be suspending its domestic flight operations for three months with effect from midnight, 31st January, 2025.
The Director, Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, NCAA, Michael Achimugu in a statement said the authority will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air during this period.
His words: “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.
“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”.
Achimugu explained that 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, NCAA appeals for patience and understanding while it ensures the protection of passenger right”, he added.
Achimugu also stated that the NCAA will provide the required support to the NSIB in its investigation of the incident.
