Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, along with over 100 passengers, narrowly escaped a potential tragedy when a Max Air plane caught fire shortly after takeoff from Maiduguri International Airport.
The incident occurred around 7 pm on Wednesday, December 4, while the aircraft was en route to Abuja. A bird strike caused engine failure about 10 minutes into the flight. Thanks to the quick actions of the pilot and crew, the plane was able to make an emergency landing back at Maiduguri Airport, preventing disaster.
A Max Air staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed, “Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft struck a bird mid-air, which caused one of the engines to catch fire. The pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers.”
After the emergency landing, many passengers were in a panic, choosing to retrieve their luggage and return home instead of boarding another flight. However, Max Air management swiftly arranged for another aircraft from Kano to transport the passengers, including the Deputy Governor, to Abuja safely.
The aircraft involved in the incident remains grounded at Maiduguri International Airport for repairs, with an investigation currently underway. The airport authorities have reassured the public of their dedication to passenger safety and expressed gratitude to the crew for their professionalism in handling the situation.
