Kano – A Max Air (VM) Boeing 737 aircraft, operating under registration number 5N-MBD, crash-landed at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport at 10:45 PM on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. The incident occurred when the plane’s front tire caught fire upon landing, creating an emergency situation. Fortunately, quick response by the crew and airport authorities ensured that all 53 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated.
What Happened During the Landing?
The flight originated from Lagos and was approaching its final destination in Kano when the front tire burst into flames upon touchdown. According to Aliyu Inuwa Mansir, a SolaceBase correspondent and passenger on the flight, the cabin quickly filled with smoke, leading to panic among some passengers.
As the fire broke out, emergency procedures were activated immediately. Passengers were directed through the emergency exits while airport firefighters worked to control the blaze and ensure passenger safety.
Successful Evacuation and Emergency Response
- Max Air Station Manager Malam Bello Ramadan confirmed that all passengers and crew members were successfully evacuated without injuries.
- Firefighting teams were already on standby near the runway, which allowed for a rapid response in extinguishing the flames.
- The airline activated its standard safety protocols, including passenger evacuation, pilot isolation, and coordination with Nigerian aviation authorities.
This incident is expected to lead to a detailed investigation by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), focusing on the cause of the tire failure and subsequent fire.
Cause of the Incident: Preliminary Findings
Initial reports suggest that a tire malfunction caused the front tire to ignite during the landing process. However, authorities, including the AIB and Max Air’s Aircraft and Equipment Department, are conducting further investigations to determine if mechanical, operational, or maintenance issues contributed to the failure.
Similar Incident in Abuja: A Troubling Pattern for Max Air
This is not the first time Max Air has experienced tire-related emergencies. On May 7, 2023, another Max Air Boeing 737-400 (also registered as 5N-MBD) faced a similar incident during landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Details of the Abuja Incident:
- The aircraft had departed Yola at 14:05 with 143 passengers, one infant, and six crew members onboard.
- One tire burst during takeoff from Yola, leading to multiple left main gear tire failures upon landing in Abuja at 15:01.
- The damaged landing gear caused significant damage to the tarmac as the aircraft skidded across the runway, leaving visible markings.
- A small fire near the gear well triggered a swift response from airport firefighters, who deployed water trucks to contain the fire.
- The runway was temporarily closed to facilitate aircraft removal and assess damage to the airport infrastructure.
These recurring incidents are raising safety concerns regarding tire maintenance and inspection procedures on Max Air’s fleet of aircraft. Nigerian aviation authorities are expected to review the airline’s maintenance records as part of the ongoing investigation.
Max Air’s Safety Measures
Max Air has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that corrective measures are implemented. The airline’s Station Manager Malam Bello Ramadan emphasized that standard safety protocols were followed during the emergency, and all crew members had undergone proper training to handle such situations.
The incident highlights the need for strict adherence to maintenance schedules, particularly in the inspection of landing gear components, which play a critical role in ensuring safe landings.
A Wake-Up Call for Nigerian Aviation
The crash-landing of the Max Air Boeing 737 in Kano and the similar incident in Abuja suggest a potential pattern of mechanical issues that need addressing. With Nigerian aviation safety under increased scrutiny, the investigation’s findings could lead to enhanced maintenance protocols and stricter regulatory oversight. The goal is to prevent future incidents, ensuring passenger safety and restoring public confidence in the country’s aviation industry.
While the quick and effective emergency response ensured no casualties this time, the authorities will be looking closely at what went wrong and how to avoid a repeat of this situation.
