It was panic galore on Wednesday morning among passengers of an Arik Air flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt when the aircraft was diverted after developing an engine issue mid-flight.
The airline confirmed that its Boeing 737-700 aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, operating Flight W3 740, was descending into Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the flight crew heard a loud bang from the left engine.
Arik Air in an update confirmed that all 80 passengers and crew members on board disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, registration 5N-MJF, operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos (LOS) to Port Harcourt (PHC) earlier today, experienced an in-flight engine anomaly and diverted safely to Benin Airport (BNI).
The Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance,Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, in a press statement on Wednesday said during the cruise phase of flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines.
She explained that in accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin.
She said the aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported.
She also assured that 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 NSIB 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.
“A Preliminary Report will be issued within 30 days in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 provisions.
“A Final Report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.The safety of passengers, crew, and the public remains our highest priority.
“The NSIB encourages any member of the public with relevant information regarding this occurrence to contact the Bureau through its official channels,” she said.