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…as regulatory authority chides sensational reporting of incident
Posted by Sade Williams
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) will conduct thorough investigation into the Max Air tyre bust incident which happened in Abuja on Saturday.
This is just as the regulatory authority condemned the sensational reporting of the incident by a section of the media, saying the incident was not as serious as it was portrayed.
In a statement signed by director general, NCAA Captain Musa Nuhu on Monday, the authority confirmed that it led to the shutting down of the runway and disruption of both domestic and international flights.
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.
“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.
“The media are urged to seek clarifications and or information as to make accurate reports of any situation
‘The traveling public should be rest assured 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.”, Captain Nuhu said.
