By Jemilu Hassan
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A Max Air flight bound for Abuja was forced to make an emergency landing at Maiduguri’s Muhammadu Buhari International Airport on Wednesday after one of its engines caught fire just 10 minutes after takeoff. The incident, which was caused by a suspected bird strike, left over 100 passengers, including Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, shaken but unharmed.
According to reports from Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, a bird strike severely damaged one of the aircraft’s engines, prompting the pilot to act swiftly and safely return the plane to the airport without any injuries reported.
“Bird strikes are a known risk in aviation, especially during takeoff and landing phases,” Zagazola Makama explained. “Airlines must conduct regular wildlife hazard assessments and implement bird control measures around airports to mitigate such incidents.”
An unnamed airline official confirmed that engineers from Kano have been deployed to assess and repair the damaged aircraft. Another Max Air plane was dispatched from Lagos to ferry the passengers to Abuja, ensuring minimal disruption to their travel plans.
Max Air manager in Maiduguri, Musa Bawuro, acknowledged the incident but refrained from commenting, stating he was awaiting a detailed report from the flight’s captain. The swift response by the pilot and airport authorities was commended, as it ensured the safety of all passengers and crew on board.
The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the aviation industry. The swift action taken by the pilot and airport authorities prevented what could have been a catastrophic incident, and their efforts are to be commended.
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