December 05, (THEWILL) – A Max Air aircraft carrying over 70 passengers, including the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Dr. Usman Kadafur, was forced to make an emergency landing at the Maiduguri International Airport on Wednesday after one of its engines caught fire shortly after takeoff.
The incident, reported by security expert Zagazola Makama, occurred approximately 10 minutes into the flight, which was heading to Abuja.
The pilot acted swiftly, shutting down the affected engine and safely returning the aircraft to Maiduguri.
All passengers and crew members disembarked unharmed, with emergency protocols effectively executed to prevent casualties.
Max Air swiftly dispatched a replacement aircraft to accommodate the stranded passengers, ensuring minimal disruption to their travel plans.
The replacement flight departed Maiduguri at around 11:00 p.m., successfully completing the journey to Abuja.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by a bird strike shortly after takeoff, which damaged one of the engines.
“Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft struck a bird midair, which caused one of the engines to catch fire. The pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers,” a Max Air staff member disclosed.
The airline Manager in Maiduguri, Musa Bawuro, confirmed the incident, adding that the damaged aircraft is undergoing repairs at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri.
Despite the unsettling experience, passengers commended the crew’s professionalism and quick response, which ensured their safety.
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