On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, a Max Air Boeing 737 aircraft experienced an incident upon landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, Nigeria. In response, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances and causes surrounding the event.
The aircraft, operated by Max Air, was completing a routine domestic flight when it encountered difficulties during the landing phase. Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft may have veered off the runway upon touchdown. At this time, there have been no reports of injuries to passengers or crew members. The extent of the damage to the aircraft and airport facilities is still under assessment.
The NSIB, Nigeria’s foremost agency for transportation accident investigations, promptly dispatched a team of investigators to the site following notification of the incident. Their mandate is to conduct a thorough investigation, adhering to international best practices, to ascertain both immediate and underlying causes. This process involves collecting evidence from the scene, analyzing flight data, interviewing crew members and witnesses, and reviewing maintenance records.
This incident is not the first involving Max Air’s fleet. In May 2023, a Boeing 737-400 operated by the airline experienced a serious incident during landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The NSIB’s investigation into that event identified poor maintenance practices and power failure as contributing factors.
Additionally, in September 2019, a Max Air Boeing 747-400 had a serious incident during final approach at Minna International Airport, where the aircraft’s No.1 engine made contact with the runway surface. The Accident Investigation Bureau (now integrated into the NSIB) conducted an investigation into this occurrence.
Next Steps
The NSIB’s current investigation will focus on several key areas:
- Flight Crew Performance: Assessing the actions and decisions of the pilots during the approach and landing phases.
- Aircraft Systems and Maintenance: Evaluating the functionality of the aircraft’s systems and reviewing its maintenance history for any discrepancies.
- Airport Operations: Examining the conditions of the runway and the performance of airport support services at the time of the incident.
The NSIB has committed to providing timely updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public and media to refrain from speculation until conclusive findings are released.
The NSIB encourages individuals with pertinent information, such as eyewitness accounts or multimedia evidence, to come forward to assist in the investigation. Contributions from the public can be invaluable in reconstructing events and ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the incident.
About the NSIB
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau is dedicated to enhancing transportation safety across aviation, marine, rail, and road sectors. By conducting independent and thorough investigations, the NSIB aims to prevent future occurrences and improve safety protocols within Nigeria’s transportation systems.
As the investigation into the Max Air Boeing 737 incident at Kano International Airport unfolds, the NSIB remains committed to transparency and diligence, ensuring that all findings contribute to the overarching goal of transportation safety.
