Kehinde Fajobi
Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, and over 100 passengers narrowly avoided disaster when a Max Air flight encountered an engine fire caused by a bird strike shortly after takeoff from Maiduguri International Airport.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday as the aircraft, bound for Abuja, suffered engine failure just 10 minutes into the flight.
The pilot executed an emergency landing back at Maiduguri Airport, successfully averting a catastrophe.
A Max Air staff member, speaking anonymously, confirmed the details on Thursday, Vanguard reports.
“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 staff member stated.
Passengers, shaken by the ordeal, opted to disembark, collect their belongings, and return home rather than board another flight.
However, Max Air promptly arranged for another aircraft from Kano to transport willing passengers, including Deputy Governor Kadafur, safely to Abuja.
The affected aircraft remains grounded at Maiduguri International Airport for extensive repairs, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Airport authorities commended the crew’s professionalism in handling the emergency and reassured passengers of their commitment to maintaining stringent safety measures.