EditorHIGHLIGHTS
NCAA explains causes and aftermath of Max Air ‘controlled landing’ after its tyre burst on Sunday
Abuja airport was shutdown due to the disabled aircraft on the runway, as Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport is a single runway airport.
Several flights both domestic and international flights were stranded at Abuja airport , while incoming flights diverted to other airports
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued by NAMA accordingly. All relevant agencies including NCAA, FAAN, NAMA and NSIB swung into action collaboratively to ensure the prompt removal of the disabled aircraft from the runway and reopening of the airport for flight operations
The damaged wheels of the aircraft were replaced and the aircraft taxied on its power from the runway to an assigned parking position. The runway was inspected and swept for damage and debris by officials of NCAA, FAAN and NAMA, after which the runway was declared safe
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has provided more insights into what led to the tyre burst that forced Max Air Flight NGL1649 a B737 aircraft with registration 5N-MBD to experience emergency landing in Abuja on Sunday, May 7, 2023.
The NCAA explained that the aircraft had 144 passengers and six crew members onboard.
Prime Business Africa had reported that the airplane which took off in Yola Airport had tyre issues shortly after, and had to require controlled landing in Abuja. No life was lost as firefighters and other airport operatives were able to help the passengers disembark while the aircraft was still on the runway.
READ ALSO: Breaking: Firefighters Save Passengers As Max Air Plane Crash-lands In Abuja
A statement released on Monday by NCAA’s Director- General, Captain Musa Nuhu noted that, during landing at the Abuja airport, the aircraft lost some tyres, the flight crew brought the aircraft to a safe stop on Runway 22 at 2.57 p.m local time. “All persons on board were evacuated safely and the airport emergency services including the rescue and fire fighting services response was excellent.”
What NCAA is Saying:
Musa Nuhu of the NCAA revealed that the Abuja airport was shutdown due to the disabled aircraft on the runway, as Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport is a single runway airport.
“A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued by NAMA accordingly. All relevant agencies including NCAA, FAAN, NAMA and NSIB swung into action collaboratively to ensure the prompt removal of the disabled aircraft from the runway and reopening of the airport for flight operations. Several flights both domestic and international flights were stranded at Abuja airport , while incoming flights diverted to other airports.
“The damaged wheels of the aircraft were replaced and the aircraft taxied on its power from the runway to an assigned parking position. The runway was inspected and swept for damage and debris by officials of NCAA, FAAN and NAMA, after which the runway was declared safe. Subsequently, the airport was reopened for resumption of flight operations after 8pm.
“It has come to the notice of NCAA of sensational media reports of the incident, classifying it as a crash landing thus creating panic and concerns amongst the traveling public. The media are urged to seek clarifications and or information as to make accurate reports of any situation.
“Nigeria Safety Investigation Board(NSIB) and or NCAA will conduct a thorough investigation of this incident to determine the root cause and make appropriate recommendations to prevent any recurrence of such incident.
“The traveling public should be rest assured that NCAA and other aviation agencies will spare no efforts to ensure the continued safe flight operations in Nigeria as has been the case over several years.”
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