Passengers escape as aircraft develops engine fault after takeoff
Passengers aboard a Max Air Abuja–Katsina flight were safely returned to Abuja shortly after takeoff as the aircraft began to violently shook due to engine-related anomaly mid-air.
There was panic panic onboard, multiple passengers on board said as they shared their experience on social media.
They said loud banging sounds were heard during the flight followed by intense vibration.
The company confirmed the incident, saying that one of its Abuja–Katsina flights made an air return to Abuja on Monday after the crew detected an engine-related anomaly shortly after takeoff.
In a statement issued after the incident, the airline said Flight VM1620, operated with aircraft registration 5N-DAB, departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Monday before the crew observed an indication suggesting an engine malfunction about 15 minutes into the journey.
According to the airline, the pilots immediately initiated a return to Abuja in line with standard aviation safety procedures.
“The aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew disembarked without injury or incident,” Max Air said.
The company said that the situation was handled in accordance with established safety procedures and stressed that passenger safety remained its highest priority.
The airline said it subsequently deployed a replacement aircraft 5N-DMK from Kano to Abuja to continue the Abuja–Katsina service and other scheduled operations.
It also disclosed that its engineering and technical teams had commenced a comprehensive assessment of the affected aircraft in line with regulatory and safety protocols.
Max Air noted that it remains in communication with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and would cooperate with any review arising from the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had yet to issue an official statement on the development.
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