A Max Air flight carrying over 100 passengers, including Borno State Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur, narrowly avoided disaster after experiencing an engine fire shortly after takeoff from Maiduguri International Airport on Wednesday evening.
Truthlivenews media gathered that the incident occurred around 7 p.m. when the aircraft, en route to Abuja, encountered a bird strike approximately 10 minutes into the flight, leading to engine failure. The pilot executed an emergency landing, safely returning the plane to Maiduguri.
A Max Air staff member, speaking anonymously, confirmed the details of the incident, saying, “Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft struck a bird mid-air, causing one of the engines to catch fire. The pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers.”
The emergency landing left passengers shaken, with many opting to collect their belongings and return home rather than board a replacement flight. Despite the panic, Max Air quickly dispatched another aircraft from Kano, which transported passengers, including the deputy governor and several government dignitaries, safely to Abuja.
The grounded aircraft is now undergoing extensive repairs at Maiduguri International Airport, while investigations into the cause of the bird strike are underway.
Airport authorities praised the professionalism of the crew in handling the emergency and reassured passengers of their unwavering commitment to safety.