A Max Air aircraft Kano Station Manager, Malam Bello Ramadan has confirmed that it’s plane with registration number 5N-MBD, B733, crash-landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) on Tuesday night after its front tyre burst into flames upon landing.
The aircraft, which departed from Lagos, was carrying 53 passengers and six crew members when the incident occurred at approximately 10:45 PM.
He also confirmed that all passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and expressed gratitude that there were no casualties.
“I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and thank God for everyone’s safety. The well-being of our passengers and crew is always our top priority,” he stated.
According to Ramadan, the airline followed standard safety procedures, ensuring the swift evacuation of passengers and isolating the pilots while coordinating with aviation authorities.
He further disclosed that Max Air is cooperating with the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Aircraft and Equipment Department (AED) to determine the cause of the incident.
“Preliminary findings suggest a tire malfunction, but we will fully support the investigation to establish the exact cause and enhance safety measures,” he assured.
Ramadan also promised that affected passengers would soon recover their belongings, acknowledging the distress caused by the emergency landing.
An eye witness, Aliyu Inuwa Mansir, a journalist with SolaceBase and one of the passengers on board, described the terrifying moment of the accident.
“Immediately after the tire burst into flames, smoke filled the cabin, and we had to evacuate through the emergency exit,” Mansir recounted. “Firefighters arrived quickly and sprayed water to contain the flames.”
It is expected that the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Aircraft and Equipment Department (AED) that commenced investigation immediately into the accident would issue preliminary report today.