‘How Max Air plane lost 4 tyres while taking off at Yola Airport’

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has explained that a Max Air Boeing 737 aircraft carrying 119 passengers and six crew members lost four tyres during roll for take – off at the Yola Airport en route Abuja on Sunday

NSIB said a loud bang was heard by the pilot of the aircraft after it was cleared for take – off.

The loud bang was later identified as the bursting of the rear gear tyres of the plane, NSIB’s spokesperson, Mrs Bimbo Okawumi Oladeji said in a statement.

The Bureau added that aside the rear gear tyres, the Max-Air place also lost two other tyres.

This, the statement indicated rendered the aircraft disabled.

The NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection said: “This evening, Max Air’s flight NGL1649, a Boeing 737 with registration 5N-ADB, carrying 119 passengers and 6 crew members, was cleared for takeoff from Yola Airport en route to Abuja. During the takeoff roll, a loud bang was heard, identified as the bursting of the rear gear tyres. Initially, two tyres burst.

“While attempting to taxi off the runway, the remaining two tyres also burst, rendering the aircraft completely disabled.

“Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

“A go-team, led by NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr., will visit the incident site tomorrow morning to conduct an investigation.”