The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that an Abuja-bound Max Air flight from Yola with about 119 passengers became disabled when it lost its four tyres while taxiing to take off on Sunday evening.
NSIB disclosed that the aircraft lost two tyres first while taxiing to take off, the pilot realising the incident aborted the flight and while returning to base the aircraft lost the second set of two tyres, thus disabling the aircraft.
In a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the agency said a loud bang was heard during the incident.
“This evening, Max Air’s flight NGL1649, a Boeing 737 with registration 5N-ADB, carrying 119 passengers and 6 crew members, was cleared for takeoff from Yola Airport en route to Abuja.
“During the takeoff roll, a loud bang was heard, identified as the bursting of the rear gear tyres. Initially, two tyres burst. While attempting to taxi off the runway, the remaining two tyres also burst, rendering the aircraft completely disabled.
“Fortunately, no injuries were reported. A go-team, led by NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr., will visit the incident site tomorrow (Monday) morning to conduct an investigation,” it added.
Chinedu Eze
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