Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, and over 100 passengers narrowly avoided disaster on Wednesday when a Max Air flight suffered an engine fire shortly after taking off from Maiduguri International Airport.

Incident Details
The flight, en route to Abuja, took off around 7 p.m. but was forced to return to Maiduguri approximately 10 minutes later due to engine failure caused by a bird strike. According to eyewitness accounts and a Max Air staff member, one of the aircraft’s engines caught fire after colliding with a bird mid-air.

The staff member, speaking anonymously, explained, “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 pilot’s quick decision to make an emergency landing back at Maiduguri Airport ensured there were no casualties.

Panic Among Passengers
Passengers reportedly panicked as the aircraft made its emergency descent. Many, shaken by the incident, opted to disembark and return home rather than attempt another flight.

One passenger remarked, “It was a terrifying experience. The moment we heard the sound and the announcement, everyone began praying and holding on to each other. We are grateful to be alive.”

Response by Max Air
In response to the incident, Max Air management swiftly arranged for another aircraft from Kano to transport passengers, including Deputy Governor Kadafur, to Abuja later that night.

The damaged aircraft was grounded at Maiduguri International Airport, where engineers began extensive repairs.

Reactions from Authorities
Airport authorities commended the professionalism of the pilot and crew, highlighting their critical role in averting what could have been a major tragedy.

A statement from airport management read, “We commend the Max Air pilot and crew for their swift and professional response, which ensured the safety of all passengers. Travelers can be assured of our unwavering commitment to safety and international aviation standards.”

Background on Bird Strikes
Bird strikes are a significant safety concern in aviation, often causing damage to engines and, in some cases, endangering flights. Airports worldwide have measures in place to minimize bird activity near runways, but such incidents can still occur unexpectedly.

This incident underscores the importance of ongoing investment in safety protocols and rapid response mechanisms to handle emergencies effectively.

While the passengers, including the Deputy Governor, safely resumed their journey after the scare, the incident has drawn attention to the challenges and risks associated with aviation. Authorities and Max Air reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring passenger safety and avoiding such occurrences in the future.Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, and over 100 passengers narrowly avoided disaster on Wednesday when a Max Air flight suffered an engine fire shortly after taking off from Maiduguri International Airport.

Incident Details
The flight, en route to Abuja, took off around 7 p.m. but was forced to return to Maiduguri approximately 10 minutes later due to engine failure caused by a bird strike. According to eyewitness accounts and a Max Air staff member, one of the aircraft’s engines caught fire after colliding with a bird mid-air.

The staff member, speaking anonymously, explained, “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 pilot’s quick decision to make an emergency landing back at Maiduguri Airport ensured there were no casualties.

Panic Among Passengers
Passengers reportedly panicked as the aircraft made its emergency descent. Many, shaken by the incident, opted to disembark and return home rather than attempt another flight.

One passenger remarked, “It was a terrifying experience. The moment we heard the sound and the announcement, everyone began praying and holding on to each other. We are grateful to be alive.”

Response by Max Air
In response to the incident, Max Air management swiftly arranged for another aircraft from Kano to transport passengers, including Deputy Governor Kadafur, to Abuja later that night.

The damaged aircraft was grounded at Maiduguri International Airport, where engineers began extensive repairs.

Reactions from Authorities
Airport authorities commended the professionalism of the pilot and crew, highlighting their critical role in averting what could have been a major tragedy.

A statement from airport management read, “We commend the Max Air pilot and crew for their swift and professional response, which ensured the safety of all passengers. Travelers can be assured of our unwavering commitment to safety and international aviation standards.”

Background on Bird Strikes
Bird strikes are a significant safety concern in aviation, often causing damage to engines and, in some cases, endangering flights. Airports worldwide have measures in place to minimize bird activity near runways, but such incidents can still occur unexpectedly.

This incident underscores the importance of ongoing investment in safety protocols and rapid response mechanisms to handle emergencies effectively.

Conclusion
While the passengers, including the Deputy Governor, safely resumed their journey after the scare, the incident has drawn attention to the challenges and risks associated with aviation. Authorities and Max Air reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring passenger safety and avoiding such occurrences in the future.