Max Air Flight Experiences Tyre Burst During Takeoff, Prompting Safety Investigation

In a concerning turn of events, a Max Air flight encountered a tire burst incident during takeoff at Yola Airport. The Boeing 737 aircraft, carrying 119 passengers and six crew members, experienced the bursting of its rear gear tires. As the aircraft attempted to taxi from the runway, the remaining two tires also burst, rendering the plane disabled. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or fatalities resulting from the incident.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Bimbo Oladeji, released a statement regarding the incident. “This evening, Max Air’s flight NGL1649, a Boeing 737 with registration 5N-ADB, carrying 119 passengers and six crew members, was cleared for takeoff from Yola Airport en route to Abuja,” the statement read. “During the takeoff roll, a loud bang was heard, identified as the bursting of the rear gear tires. Initially, two tires burst. While attempting to taxi off the runway, the remaining two tires also burst, rendering the aircraft completely disabled.”

Despite the disruptive nature of the tire burst incident, it is reassuring to know that no injuries or casualties were reported. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has taken immediate action, with a go-team led by NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. scheduled to visit the incident site for further investigation.

This is not the first time Max Air has faced safety concerns. In a report released by the NSIB in 2023, the airline was accused of overwriting the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) following a serious incident that occurred on May 7, 2023, during landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The report also highlighted the airline’s alleged ignorance of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority’s All Operators Letter regarding the continuous overwriting of CVR information.

In the incident that took place at Yola Airport, it was observed that the aircraft belonging to Max Air, with the flight number NGL1648, had a turnaround time of approximately 30 minutes before departing for Abuja. During takeoff, the landing gear was left extended for three minutes to allow for cooling due to the high temperature on the ground. However, at 2:08 p.m., Nigerian Air Force personnel reported to the Yola Control Tower that an object resembling a tire had fallen off from the departing NGL1649.

The safety of passengers and crew members is of utmost importance, and incidents like these warrant thorough investigations to identify the root causes and prevent future occurrences. The Nigerian aviation authorities are dedicated to ensuring the highest level of safety in the industry.

It is crucial for airlines to prioritize safety protocols, adhere to regulatory guidelines, and maintain transparency in all safety-related matters. Passengers and the general public should be confident in the measures taken by authorities to address safety concerns and hold airlines accountable for maintaining the highest standards of safety.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau will continue its investigation into the tire burst incident, and further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.