A Boeing 737 aircraft carrying 119 passengers and six crew members late Sunday lost four tyres during roll for take – off at the Yola Airport en route Abuja.

The aircraft, according to the NIgerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), was cleared for take – off during which a loud bang was heard by the pilot in command identified as the bursting of the rear gear tyres.

According to a statement by NSIB’s spokesperson, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, besides the bursting of rear gear tyres, two other tyres also burst.

The NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection said : “This evening, Max Air’s flight NGL1649, a Boeing 737 with registration 5N-ADB, carrying 119 passengers and 6 crew members, was cleared for takeoff from Yola Airport en route to Abuja. During the takeoff roll, a loud bang was heard, identified as the bursting of the rear gear tyres. Initially, two tyres burst.

“While attempting to taxi off the runway, the remaining two tyres also burst, rendering the aircraft completely disabled.

“Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

”A go-team, led by NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr., will visit the incident site tomorrow morning to conduct an investigation.”

In May 2023, the same airline was grounded due to safety concerns.