Max Air Crisis Averted: Deputy Governor, 70 Passengers Escape Mid-Air Scare
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
A Max Air flight carrying Borno State Deputy Governor, Usman Kadafur, and over 70 passengers narrowly avoided disaster on Wednesday when one of its twin engines caught fire shortly after takeoff from the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport (MBIA), Maiduguri.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert, said that incident occurred just 10 minutes into the flight bound for Abuja. Preliminary investigations suggest the engine fire was caused by a bird strike that damaged the wing.
Acting swiftly, the pilot shut down the affected engine mid-air and skillfully brought the aircraft back for an emergency landing at the Maiduguri airport. Despite the harrowing experience, all passengers and crew members were unharmed.
Max Air immediately dispatched a replacement aircraft to transport the stranded passengers to Abuja, departing Maiduguri at 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday to minimize travel disruptions.
Experts have emphasized the growing threat of bird strikes during takeoff and landing, urging airlines to enhance wildlife hazard assessments and implement effective bird control measures. The damaged aircraft is currently undergoing repairs at the Maiduguri airport.
Such swift action and adherence to safety protocols highlight the importance of pilot expertise and emergency preparedness in ensuring passenger safety.
