Arik’s Port Harcourt-bound flight suffers engine failure
• Loud bang on left engine forces aircraft’s diversion to Benin Airport The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft with registration 5N-MJF
• Loud bang on left engine forces aircraft’s diversion to Benin Airport
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft with registration 5N-MJF and operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday experienced an in-flight engine anomaly.
The incident led to an emergency diversion of the aircraft and its landing at the Benin Airport in Edo State.
The bureau stated that the aircraft landed without an incident and that all passengers and crew members disembarked normally.
The NSIB said no injuries were reported, adding that
preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicated significant damage to the affected engine, based on initial visual assessment.
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In a statement in Abuja, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, explained that during the cruise phase of the flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines.
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The statement reads: “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.”
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The bureau announced that it was 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 assured that a preliminary report would be issued within 30 days, in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 provisions, adding that the final report would be published at the conclusion of the investigation.
The bureau stressed that the safety of passengers, crew, and the public remained its highest priority.
It urged any member of the public with relevant information on the incident to contact the bureau through its official channels.
It promised to provide more updates as more information becomes available.
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Also, Air Air has offered clarifications on the circumstances surrounding the diversion of its Boeing 737-700: 5N MJF aircraft operating flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt to divert to Benin Airport after the operating crew heard a loud bang on the left engine.
According to a statement by the airline’s spokesperson, Mr. Adebanji Ola, the aircraft was on its decent to Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the incident happened.
Arik Air’s Public Relations and Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola, said as a precautionary measure, the crew made a safe diversion to Benin.
He said: “There were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked. Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination.
“We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and well-being of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air.”
