…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau recently conducted an investigation into a recent incident involving Max Air, an airline operating in Nigeria.
The preliminary investigation report, released by the Bureau’s Director General, Akin Olateru, has highlighted flaws in Max Air’s maintenance procedures, linking them to the incident.
Failure to Adhere to Manufacturer’s Recommendations:
The investigation report points out that Max Air failed to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding wheel changing.
This failure to adhere to the prescribed procedures raises concerns about the airline’s maintenance practices and their impact on operational safety.
Lack of Oversight by Quality Control Department:
Furthermore, the report brings attention to the inadequate oversight by Max Air’s quality control department.
The department failed to properly supervise the maintenance of the brake unit and wheel change prior to the departure of the flight involved in the incident.
This oversight failure indicates potential weaknesses in the airline’s quality control processes.
Missing Pilot-Conversation Recording:
On the day of the incident, the Yola Air traffic control system failed to record the conversation between the pilot and the duty controller.
This missing recording raises questions about the accuracy and completeness of the available information for investigating and analyzing the incident.
Severe Fire Damage Discovery:
Upon further examination, investigators discovered significant fire damage on the no. 2 main wheel assembly during the incident.
This finding underscores the severity of the situation and emphasizes the need for a thorough assessment of Max Air’s safety management capabilities.
Bureau’s Recommendations to Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority:
In light of the investigation findings, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau urges the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to conduct routine safety management system assessments of Max Air.
This assessment aims to determine the airline’s ability to effectively manage safety and ensure adherence to recommended procedures.
Enforcement Actions and Penalties:
Additionally, the Bureau calls upon the NCAA to apply the appropriate sections of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2015, specifically in line with IS 1.3.3 legal enforcement actions.
This enforcement includes penalties for operators who persistently overwrite cockpit voice recorder information.
These measures are necessary to enforce accountability and discourage practices that undermine safety protocols.
Conclusion:
The preliminary investigation report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau sheds light on maintenance flaws within Max Air and their potential impact on safety.
It emphasizes the need for regulatory oversight and enforcement to ensure the effective management of safety in the aviation industry.