The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has commenced investigation into the Max Air, an incident which occurred at the Runway of the Minna International Airport, Niger State on Saturday.
The B747-400 flight with 560 pilgrims which was designated for this year’s Hajj, from Jeddah with registration number 5N-DBK suffered serious occurred during the final approach on the runway shortly after landing
Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) in a statement by Tunji Oketunbi, the spokesman, said the accident investigative body was notified of the incident by MAX Air Limited of serious incident involving its B747-400 which he said occurred during the final approach on Runway 23 at Minna International Airport.
Oketunbi further stated that from information provided, the aircraft on landing ‘scraped the runway while the number one engine of the four engine airplane brushed runway surface and no injury reported’.
He disclosed that AIB’s team of safety investigators had commenced investigations, calling for help.
“We want the public to know that we would be amenable to receiving any video clip, relevant evidence or information any members of the public may have of the serious incident that can assist us with this investigation”, he added.
However, MaxAir has reacted to the incident involving its aircraft 5N-DBK flying from Jeddah to Minna (Niger State) saying the aircraft did not crash nor skid off the runway as reported in various media.
In a statement issued by the airline and signed by Ibrahim Dilli, Director Flight Operations, the aircraft engine slightly brushed the runway due to complex landing, maneuvers accessioned by strong downdraft and an epileptic Instrument Landing System (ILS)at the Minna Airport.
In the statement, Dilli stated,” This is to inform all stakeholders and the general public that Max Air Limited operated on 7th September 2019, a flight from Jeddah to Minna (Niger State) with our aircraft Boeing 747-400 registered 5N-DBK. At the time of arrival, there was heavy torrential rain with unstable wind.
“The Instrument Landing System at the airport was epileptic with unstable signals. Our pilots executed an approach using their wealth of experience and knowledge on the terrain and environment to a safe landing and stopped on the runway, during which one of the engines slightly brushed the runway due to complex landing maneuvers occasioned by the strong downdraft.
“Aircraft did not crash nor skid off the runway. Aircraft was taxied safely to the airport terminal and passengers disembarked without problems. All passengers and crew are safe and sound.
“All required reports of the minor incident have been filed. Officials of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) have inspected both the aircraft and runway and are satisfied.”
IFEOMA OKEKE
