After an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft with registration 5N-MJF experienced an in-flight engine anomaly and safely diverted to Benin Airport (BNI) in Edo State earlier on Wednesday while operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos (LOS) to Port Harcourt (PHC), the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has opened an investigation. The crew noticed unusual indicators on one of the engines during the cruising portion of the trip. Following standard safety protocols, the flight crew shut down the engine as a precaution and rerouted to Benin City, the closest appropriate airport. The plane touched down without incident, and all the crew and passengers disembarked without issue. There have been no reports of injuries.
Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB's director of public affairs and family help, stated that based on early visual evaluation, initial observations at the diversion airport showed considerable damage to the afflicted engine.
According to her, “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.”
She further disclosed that in order to ascertain the chronology of events and any contributing reasons, the NSIB was collaborating closely with Arik Air, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and other pertinent parties.
“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 stated.
Any member of the public with pertinent information about this incident was urged by the NSIB to get in touch with the Bureau via its proper channels.