Created Monday, Jul 22nd 2024 16:01Z, last updated Monday, Jul 21st 2025 19:00Z
A Max Air Boeing 737-300, registration 5N-ADB performing flight
VM-1649 from Yola to Abuja (Nigeria) with 113 passengers and 6 crew, was accelerating for takeoff from Yola's runway 35 when two loud bangs were heard prompting the crew to reject takeoff at high speed. The aircraft slowed without further incident and stopped on the runway about 300 meters/1000 feet short of the runway end. Two main tyres were found burst, the other two main tyres deflated after the aircraft stopped.
Nigeria's NSIB opened an investigation into the occurrence.
The NSIB released their preliminary report summarizing the sequence of events on the incoming flight and subsequent rejected takeoff:
At 17:06 h, NGL 1648 landed on Runway 17 DNYO. The PF observed bird activity, and during the backtrack, the PM observed foreign object debris (FOD) on the runway, around the Nigerian Airforce Apron, almost on the runway centre line. The flight crew reported to the tower.
A staff member of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) was dispatched to the reported position, and perforated metallic sheets were retrieved; a Boeing 737 operated by Air Peace Limited subsequently took off from Runway 17.
On ground DNYO, the captain conducted a walk-around of the aircraft as part of the preflight inspection, including the inspection to ascertain if the earlier sighted birds had impacted the aircraft. The captain then released the aircraft for the next flight to Abuja. The crew determined Aircraft performance data with the following prominent V-speeds: V1 as 134 kts, Vr as 136 Kts and V2 as 142 kts.
At 17:44 h, 5N-ADB, using the call sign NGL 1649, requested engine start-up with the following details: destination - Abuja, cruising level - FL 280 with six crew, 113 passengers and endurance of three hours. The request was granted. The captain resumed as the PF and the first officer maintained the PM role.
At 17:48 h, NGL 1649 requested for taxi and was cleared to enter and backtrack Runway 17. NGL 1649 acknowledged and requested Runway 35 instead. The request was granted.
At 17:57 h, NGL 1649 was cleared for take-off Runway 35, with the prevailing wind as 270o at 07 kts. During the take-off roll, the flight crew observed that the auto-throttle disconnected, and the PF then set the take-off thrust manually before re-engaging the autothrottle. The crew also observed that the desired engine thrust settings were not attained instantly. The PM then called out the aircraft speed, 90 kts. Thereafter, the aircraft buffeted at above 100 kts. A bang was heard, followed by a landing gear disagree annunciation for the Right Main Landing Gear. According to the PF, the thrust levers were then retarded at about 126 kt IAS (Indicated Air Speed) as part of Rejected Take-Off (RTO) procedure. The PM scanned the instruments and called out “stop, stop, right gear” and then proceeded to call out “speed brakes” as the speed brake lever was observed to be not fully actuated. The aircraft came to a stop 300 m from the end of the runway.
The PF called for cabin crew to remain at their stations, and the tower was informed of the aborted take-off.
Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS) arrived at the scene. Upon the arrival of the airstairs, they further ascertain the prevalent condition and order the disembarkation of passengers and crew. All occupants disembarked normally.
The NSIB described the damage:
Physical evidence suggests that Number 3 Main Wheel tyre (the inboard tyre on the Right Main Landing Gear, MLG) failed about 1000 m from the Runway 35 threshold then Number 4 Main Wheel tyre burst. Number 1 and 2 Main Wheel tyres deflated as the aircraft came to a stop. The aircraft stopped 300 m short of the threshold of Runway 35.
The following were observed:
1. Number 3 Main Wheel tyre failed;
2. Number 4 Main Wheel tyre burst;
3. Numbers 1 and 2 Main Wheel tyres were deflated;
4. Binding of brake assembly No. 1 and 2;
5. The right MLG shock strut door was broken.
The NSIB released initial findings:
1. The flight crew were certified to conduct the flight.
2. The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness.
3. Foreign Object Debris (FOD) were recovered from the runway after 5N-ADB landed.
4. Another aircraft took-off Runway 17 prior to 5N-ADB.
5. Take-off was aborted due to increased airframe vibrations, a bang and an abnormal landing gear indication in the cockpit.
6. Number 3 Main wheel Tyre failed and Number 4 Main wheel Tyre burst during the take-off roll.
7. Main wheel Tyres Number 1 and 2 were deflated prior to the aircraft coming to a stop.
8. There was binding of brake assembly Numbers 1 and 2.
9. The aircraft came to a stop 300 m short of the threshold of Runway 17.
10.The runway is observed to be contaminated with rubberised deposits.
On Jul 21st 2025 the NSIB relased an interim statement stating that the final report has been drafted and is to be sent to the parties for comments.
The aircraft after the rejected takeoff:
