Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, and more than 100 passengers narrowly escaped tragedy on Wednesday evening when a Max Air aircraft experienced an engine fire shortly after taking off from Maiduguri International Airport.
The incident occurred at approximately 7 p.m. as the flight to Abuja encountered a bird strike just 10 minutes into the journey, causing one of the aircraft's engines to catch fire. The pilot and crew executed an emergency landing back at Maiduguri Airport, averting what could have been a catastrophic event.
Bird Strike Causes Mid-Air Engine Fire
A Max Air staff member, speaking anonymously, confirmed the cause of the fire. “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,” the staffer explained.
Emergency Landing Sparks Panic Among Passengers
Passengers were visibly shaken after the emergency landing, with many opting to retrieve their luggage and abandon travel plans. Despite the panic, Max Air swiftly arranged for another aircraft from Kano to transport willing passengers, including the Deputy Governor, to Abuja.
Aircraft Grounded, Investigations Underway
The damaged aircraft remains grounded at Maiduguri International Airport and is undergoing extensive repairs. Investigations into the incident are ongoing to ensure such occurrences are mitigated in the future.
Airport Authorities Reassure Passengers
Authorities at Maiduguri International Airport commended the professionalism of the Max Air crew in handling the emergency. They reassured passengers of their continued commitment to safety and strict adherence to international aviation standards.
This incident highlights the importance of aviation safety measures, particularly regarding bird strikes, which remain a significant hazard in the industry.
