A Max Air aircraft with registration number 5N-MBD, B733 crash-landed on Tuesday night at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport after its front tire burst into flames upon landing.
The aircraft which arrived into the airport from Lagos had 53 passengers and six crew members on board when the incident occurred at about 10:19 p.m.
No injuries or fatalities were recorded.
A passenger and SolaceBase correspondent, Aliyu Inuwa Mansir, who was onboard, recounted the frightening experience.
“Immediately the tire of the aircraft burst into flames, smoke filled the cabin, and we had to exit through the emergency door,” Mansir said. “As we were stepping out, airport fire services were already spraying water to contain the fire.”
The Kano Station Manager of Max Air, Malam Bello Ramalan who confirmed the incident said all passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injuries.
“I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank God for the safety of everyone on board. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority,” Ramalan stated.
He added that Max Air staff followed standard emergency protocols, including the isolation of the pilots and immediate coordination with relevant investigation authorities.
“We are working with the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Aircraft and Equipment Department (AED) to investigate the cause of the incident. Preliminary findings suggest a tire malfunction led to the mishap,” he said.
Max Air has pledged to assist passengers in retrieving their luggage as investigations continue.
