NCAA suspends Max Air flight operations over safety concerns

*The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, in a letter to the domestic carrier, explains the aviation sector regulator’s action results from several occurrences that involved the airline’s Boeing B737 aircraft

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In a move to ensure safety of air travellers with the indigenous airline, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the operations of all Boeing B737 aircraft of Max Air.

ConsumerConnect reports the West African country’s aviation regulatory agency, in a letter dated July 12, 2023, to the donest8c carrier, said the suspension was with immediate effect.

The letter marked NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/363 was titled, ‘Suspension of Parts A3 and D43 of the Operations Specifications Issued to Max Air with Immediate Effect’.

Capt. Ibrahim Bello Dambazau, NCAA Director of Operations, Training and Licensing, signed the letter on behalf of NCAA Director General, Capt. Musa Nuhu.

It is noted that in view of the development, all domestic flights of the airline will be halted until the suspension is lifted.

The letter also stated: “The Authority’s action is due to the several occurrences that involved your Boeing B737 aircraft as listed hereunder:

“Loss of Number 1 Main Landing Gear (MLG) wheel during the serious incident involving a Boeing 737-400 aircraft, registration marks 5N-MBD which occurred between Take-off at Yola Airport Adamawa State and on landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja Nigeria on 7th May, 2023.

“Fuel Contamination of the main fuel tanks of aircraft B737-300, Registration Marks; 5N-MHM, leading to the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) shutdown on ground Yola Airport on the 7th of July, 2023.”

The NCAA further said: “Aborted take-off of Boeing 737-400 aircraft, registration marks 5N-MBD, which occurred at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) due to high Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) indication on the 11th of July, 2023.

“An air return by aircraft B737-300, Registration Marks; 5N-MHM to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) due to duct overheat indication in the cockpit on the 11th of July, 2023.”

The aviation sector regulatory agency stated: “The Authority has constituted a team of inspectors to conduct an audit of your organisation.

“The result of this audit, it said, must be found satisfactory by the Authority prior to considering the restoration of the privileges of the operations Specifications to your organisation to further operate the aircraft type.”

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