What happened
On May 7, 2023, a Boeing 737-400 aircraft bearing registration marks 5N-MBD and operated by Max Air Limited was engaged in a demanding schedule involving six sectors originating from Malam Aminu Kano International Airport. The initial three legs proceeded without incident. The flight in question, NGL1649, represented the fourth sector of the day, traveling from Yola to Abuja.
The aircraft departed Yola at 14:05 h carrying 150 individuals, including six crew members, under Instrument Flight Rules. Approximately three minutes after liftoff, a Nigerian Air Force official alerted the Yola Control Tower that an object resembling a tire had detached from the departing aircraft. This information was immediately relayed to the flight deck and relevant air traffic control units.
Cabin crew later confirmed that passengers had observed a wheel falling from the airplane. The pilots acknowledged the report and continued toward Abuja. Upon arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the aircraft was cleared for approach with calm surface winds on Runway 22.
The pilot reported that the landing itself felt normal initially. However, as the aircraft began to decelerate, a significant imbalance developed, causing the port-side wing to drop lower than expected. To counteract this, the commander applied full aileron input to maintain level flight until lift decayed. The crew utilized thrust reversers and minimal braking to bring the aircraft to a halt between taxiways A5 and A6, approximately 2,900 meters from the runway threshold.
Air traffic control subsequently advised the crew of visible smoke around the fuselage and confirmed that fire services were en route. Despite the severity of the mechanical failure, there were no injuries among the passengers or crew.
The investigation
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) examined the operational timeline and witness accounts to establish the sequence of events. Key points established include:
- The detachment occurred shortly after takeoff from Yola.
- Both air traffic control personnel and cabin occupants independently verified the loss of a wheel component.
- The aircraft remained controllable throughout the approach and landing phases.
- The incident took place in daylight Visual Meteorological Conditions.
Findings
As this is an interim statement, definitive causal factors have not yet been determined. However, the investigation has confirmed that a structural failure resulted in the separation of a wheel assembly during the climb phase after departure from Yola. The crew's decision to continue the flight and execute a controlled landing contributed to the absence of casualties.
Safety action
The final report for this incident has been completed and is currently awaiting review. No specific safety recommendations have been published in this interim release.