Arik Air flight develops mid-air engine fault, makes emergency landing in Benin

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has reported that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL, registered 5N-MJF, faced an in-flight engine anomaly while on a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

The issue forced the aircraft to make an emergency diversion and land safely at Benin Airport.

According to the NSIB, the plane landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked safely.

NSIB, while noting that no injuries have been reported, added that the preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment.

The Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance of NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, in a statement, noted that during the cruise phase of the flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines.

The statement reads in part, “In accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin.

“The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported.

“Preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment.

“In line with its statutory mandate and in accordance with international standards under ICAO Annex 13 and applicable Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the NSIB has commenced an investigation into the occurrence.

“A preliminary 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 Bureau stated that it is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other relevant stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and any contributing factors.

The NSIB, while explaining that a preliminary report will be issued within 30 days in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 provisions, added that the final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.

The Bureau while stating that the safety of passengers, crew, and the public remains its highest priority, urged any member of the public with relevant information regarding the occurrence to contact the Bureau through its official channels.

It promised to provide more updates as more information becomes available.

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