- Arik Air Aircraft Diverts To Benin After In Flight Engine Failure
-
Pilots shut down engine and landed safely in Benin.
-
NSIB launched investigation into damaged Boeing 737 engine.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau confirmed on Wednesday that an Arik Air Boeing 737 7GL suffered an in flight engine problem while operating a scheduled service from Lagos to Port Harcourt.
The aircraft, with registration number 5N MJF, diverted mid journey and landed safely at Benin Airport. All passengers and crew disembarked without injury.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- ‘I’ll Work Against Peter Obi In 2027’ – Cubana Chief Priest
- Ondo PDP slams 2026 budget for prioritising lawmakers over citizens
- Eredo LCDA Chairman Facilitates Distribution of 150 JAMB Forms to Aspiring Students
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the disclosure was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the NSIB, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji. According to the bureau, the flight crew detected abnormal engine indications during the cruise phase of the flight.
In line with standard safety procedures, the pilots carried out a precautionary shutdown of the affected engine and chose to divert to the nearest suitable airport.
The NSIB said preliminary observations at Benin Airport showed significant damage to the affected engine following an initial visual assessment.
“Preliminary observations at Benin Airport suggest significant damage to the affected engine, based on an initial visual assessment. In line with its statutory mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13, the NSIB said it has commenced an investigation,” the statement read.
The bureau added that an assessment team had been dispatched to secure the aircraft and collect evidence.
“The assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information,” the statement said.
The NSIB stated that it is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Arik Air and other stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and identify contributing factors.
It added that findings from the investigation would inform safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents.
FURTHER READING
- Electronic Transmission: ‘Nigerians Always Complain’ – Senate Knocks Protesters
- FG Suspends NAFDAC Enforcement On Sachet Alcohol Ban
- Alaafin Seeks Supreme Court Halt On Ago-Oja Chieftaincy Elevation
