Overview
• Operator: Max Air
• Aircraft Model: Boeing 737-400
• Registration: 5N-MBD
• Flight Number: VM-1605
• Route: Lagos (Nigeria) to Kano (Nigeria)
• Date: 28 January 2025
• Occupants: 59 (53 passengers, 6 crew)
• Injuries: None reported
• Damage: Substantial
Accident Summary
A Max Air Boeing 737-400 operating flight VM-1605 from Lagos to Kano suffered a nose gear collapse upon landing at Kano’s runway 06 at 22:48 local time (21:48Z). The aircraft reportedly suffered a main tyre burst, followed by the collapse of the nose gear while decelerating below 60 knots.
The crew managed to maintain control of the aircraft despite it veering sharply to the left, bringing it to a complete stop on the runway. Smoke developed in the cabin, prompting an emergency evacuation via slides. Emergency services sprayed the aircraft with water to contain flames.
Sequence of Events
1. Approach and Landing
• The aircraft conducted a normal approach to Kano’s runway 06.
• The touchdown appeared routine until deceleration below 60 knots.
2. Tyre Burst and Nose Gear Collapse
• A loud bang was heard, followed by sharp veering to the left.
• The nose gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to skid on the runway.
3. Emergency Response and Evacuation
• Passengers reported smoke inside the cabin during the landing roll.
• Emergency slides were deployed, and all occupants evacuated safely.
• Firefighters sprayed the aircraft with water to control potential flames.
4. Regulatory Action
• Nigeria’s NCAA (Civil Aviation Authority) confirmed that investigators have been dispatched to the site.
• Nigeria’s Safety Investigation Bureau (SIB) has launched an official inquiry into the occurrence.
• The airline has been suspended for three months, effective 31 January 2025, pending a comprehensive safety review.
Passenger and Crew Statements
• Passengers reported hearing a loud explosion-like sound before the aircraft veered sharply.
• One passenger stated that smoke began filling the cabin, leading to panic and immediate evacuation.
• The airline confirmed that all passengers disembarked safely.
Aircraft Damage and Operational Impact
• The aircraft sustained substantial damage, particularly to the nose gear assembly and underside of the fuselage.
• Kano Airport’s runway 06 was temporarily closed for aircraft recovery operations.
• The aircraft remains grounded pending investigation and structural assessment.
Investigation and Next Steps
• The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (SIB) is conducting a full investigation into:
• The cause of the main tyre burst
• The sequence of events leading to the nose gear collapse
• Possible maintenance and structural integrity issues
• The airline’s suspension for three months indicates serious concerns about operational safety practices.
Possible Contributing Factors
• Tyre fatigue or underinflation: Excessive wear or improper inflation could have caused the tyre burst.
• Landing gear structural failure: A weakness in the nose gear assembly may have contributed to the collapse.
• Hard landing or runway conditions: Investigators will assess whether the aircraft experienced excessive force on touchdown or adverse runway conditions.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of 30 January 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
