Borno State Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur and over 100 passengers narrowly escaped disaster on Wednesday evening when a Max Air aircraft experienced engine failure shortly after takeoff from Maiduguri International Airport. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. as the plane was en route to Abuja.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the aircraft suffered a bird strike approximately ten minutes into the flight, leading to one of its engines catching fire.
The pilot and crew acted swiftly, executing an emergency landing back at Maiduguri Airport, thereby averting a potential catastrophe.
Following the emergency landing, many passengers were visibly shaken and chose to collect their luggage and abandon their travel plans rather than board another flight.
However, Max Air management promptly arranged for an alternative aircraft from Kano to transport those willing to continue their journey, including Deputy Governor Kadafur.
As of now, the affected aircraft remains grounded at Maiduguri International Airport for extensive repairs, and investigations into the incident are ongoing. Max Air has not yet issued a formal statement regarding this event.
When contacted for comment, the airline's manager in Maiduguri, Mr. Musa Bawuro, acknowledged awareness of the situation but stated he could not provide details until he spoke with the flight captain. Meanwhile, attempts to reach the deputy governor’s media aide were unsuccessful.
