Max Air with 545 pilgrims onboard loses engine at take off

A Max Air aircraft billed to convey 545 intending pilgrims from Kebbi state to Saudi Arabia for Holy Pilgrimage could not take off in the early hours of Wednesday due to engine fault.

The aircraft, a Boeing 747 aircraft with Registration Number N5-MBB could not take off from Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna International Airport, Birnin Kebbi around 1.43 am after three unsuccessful attempts.

It was gathered that an alternative arrangement is being made for the pilgrims to be airlifted to Saudi Arabia, while the faulty aircraft would be taken to Kano for repair.

Aliyu Sani Zamfarawa, one the pilgrims and Deputy Chairman Youth Council, confirmed the incident.

According to him, “One of the engines of the plane developed fault after three attempts to take off from the airport.

“All the pilgrims in the airplane were in a state of shock and confusion as we all ran for safety as soon as the emergency exit was opened.”

Also, Chairman, Committee on Flight, Kebbi State Hajj Task Force, Sani Dododo, had this to say about the incident, “The plot explained to us that one out of the three engines developed mechanical problem which they are making consultation to see how the problem will be solved.”