Borno State Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur and over 100 other passengers narrowly avoided disaster on Wednesday evening when their Max Air flight made an emergency landing shortly after takeoff.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. when the aircraft struck a bird mid-air, causing one of its engines to catch fire. A Max Air staff member, speaking anonymously, revealed that the pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of everyone onboard.
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“The engine caught fire after the bird strike, but the pilot executed an emergency landing back at Maiduguri airport,” the staff member said.
Passengers were reportedly shaken by the incident. Many chose to retrieve their luggage and cancel their travel plans rather than board another flight.
The flight carried notable figures, including the deputy governor, a state commissioner, special advisers, senior special assistants, and other government officials.
Max Air quickly arranged for another aircraft from Kano to fly the passengers, including the deputy governor, to Abuja.
On Friday, Max Air confirmed the incident in a statement, explaining that the crew detected an engine abnormality during takeoff and initiated an immediate air return to Maiduguri International Airport.
“Following Standard Operational Procedures, the affected engine was shut down as a precaution, allowing the aircraft to land safely,” the statement said.
The airline assured that all passengers and crew were unharmed. To minimize delays, a rescue flight was dispatched to Maiduguri, ensuring passengers reached their destinations without significant inconvenience.
The incident highlights the airline’s swift response and adherence to safety protocols, averting what could have been a tragic event.
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