Max Air incident: DG NCAA frowns at sensational reporting

DIRECTOR General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuru has frowned at what he called the sensational reporting that followed the incident of a tyre burst involving a Max Air aircraft after landing at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

The aircraft which took off from Yola with 144 passengers and six crew members, and heading to the Abuja airport was said to have suffered a burst tyre after landing.

The DG NCAA has however expressed his misgivings about the different reports that trailed the incident.

A statement signed by the Director General declared:”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.”

While urging the media to always seek clarifications and or information as to make accurate reports of any situation, Captain Nuru however said the  Nigeria Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) and the NCAA will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to determine the root cause and make appropriate recommendations to prevent any recurrence of such incident.

He assured the traveling public 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.

The DG NCAA in the statement confirmed that a Max Air flight NGL1649 a B737 aircraft with registration 5N-MBD departed Yola  for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja with 144 passengers and 6 flight crew on board.

“During landing at Abuja airport the aircraft lost some tires, the flight crew brought the aircraft to a safe stop on Runway 22 at 257pm local time. All persons on board were evacuated safely and the airport emergency services including the rescue and fire fighting services response was excellent.

“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.”