The Nigeria Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will be investigating the cause of the loss of tires on a Max Air plane on Sunday.
The accident occurred as the plane was landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The NCAA Director General, Capt. Musa Nuhu, said in a statement issued on Monday, that the investigation would help the agencies to make appropriate recommendations to prevent any recurrence.
He gave a preliminary report on the incident.
“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,” he said.
“During landing at Abuja airport the aircraft lost some tires, the flight crew brought the aircraft to a safe stop on Runway 22 at 2.57 pm local time.
“All persons on board were evacuated safely and the airport emergency services including the rescue and fire fighting services response was excellent.”
The NCAA boss affirmed that Abuja airport was shut down due to the disabled aircraft on the runway, as the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport is a single-runway airport.
“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,” he continued.
“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,” he added.
According to him, the runway was inspected and swept for damage and debris after which it was declared safe.
The airport reopened after 8 p.m.
