Malik Yahya/
A Max Air Boeing 737-4D7 carrying passengers from Lagos narrowly avoided disaster yesterday night, when its nose landing gear failed upon touchdown at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The terrifying incident occurred around 10:57pm as the aircraft skidded to a halt on the runway, sending shockwaves through the airport.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the plane’s nose gear tire burst, catching fire and sparking panic among passengers and crew.
Emergency responders swiftly intervened to extinguish the flames, ensuring all aboard were safely evacuated without injuries.
The airline’s Kano Station Manager issued an apology, assuring the public that Max Air prioritises passenger and crew safety.
However, this latest incident raises significant concerns about the airline’s operational safety, particularly as the same aircraft (registration 5N-MBD) was involved in a similar nose gear failure in Abuja in May 2023.
Following that 2023 event, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) temporarily grounded Max Air’s Boeing 737 fleet, citing safety lapses.
The recurrence of such a critical failure has reignited questions about the airline’s maintenance protocols, with aviation experts calling for an immediate and thorough investigation.
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