ABUJA, NIGERIA- In a swift response to recent safety incidents involving Max Air (VM) Boeing 737 aircraft, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the entire fleet with immediate effect.
The regulatory body, through a letter dated July 12, 2023, titled “Suspension of Parts A3 and D43 of the Operations Specifications Issued to Max Air with Immediate Effect,” signed by Capt. Ibrahim Bello Dambazau, the director of Operations, Training, and Licensing, on behalf of Capt. Musa Nuhu, the director general of the NCAA, outlined the necessary action to address the concerns.
NCAA Suspends Max Air Boeing 737 Fleet
To ensure compliance and guarantee passenger safety, the NCAA has assembled a team of inspectors tasked with conducting a thorough audit of all Boeing 737 aircraft within Max Air’s fleet. This decision comes in the wake of recent incidents involving the same aircraft model.
The letter issued by the NCAA highlighted the safety occurrences that led to the suspension of Max Air’s Boeing 737 operations. The listed incidents include:
Loss of Number 1 Main Landing Gear (MLG) wheel during a serious incident involving a Boeing 737-400 aircraft (registration marks 5N-MBD) between take-off at Yola Airport, Adamawa State, and landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on May 7, 2023.
Fuel contamination of the main fuel tanks of aircraft B737-300 (registration marks 5N-MHM) resulted in the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) shutting down while on the ground at Yola Airport on July 7, 2023.
Aborted take-off of a Boeing 737-400 aircraft (registration marks 5N-MBD) at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) due to high Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) indication on July 11, 2023.
An air return by aircraft B737-300 (registration marks 5N-MHM) to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) on July 11, 2023, due to duct overheating indication in the cockpit.
Immediate Suspension and Action Required
As a consequence of the safety incidents outlined above, the NCAA has suspended Parts A3 (Aircraft Authorization) and D43 (Aircraft Listing) of the Operations Specifications issued to Max Air Ltd. pertaining to the operations of Boeing B737 aircraft in their fleet.
The airline is mandated to suspend all operations involving the Boeing B737 aircraft immediately.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority emphasizes its commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety in the country’s aviation industry.
This decisive action demonstrates the regulatory body’s dedication to protecting passengers and maintaining the integrity of air travel.
The comprehensive audit of Max Air’s Boeing 737 fleet will play a crucial role in determining the airworthiness of the aircraft and identifying any potential risks.
The NCAA remains vigilant in its oversight duties and will closely monitor the progress of the airline’s compliance with safety regulations before lifting the suspension.
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