All 80 passengers aboard an Arik Air Boeing 737-700 plane from Lagos en route Port Harcourt on Wednesday escaped unhurt after the aircraft made an emergency diversion to Benin Airport following a reported engine incident.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) later confirmed that the incident resulted in “significant damage” to one of the aircraft’s engines.
In a statement, Arik Air’s spokesperson, Adebanjo Ola, said the aircraft, with registration number 5N-MJF, was operating flight W3 740 from the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, to the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the crew detected an anomaly.
According to him, the aircraft was descending into Port Harcourt when the operating crew heard a loud bang from the left engine, prompting them to take precautionary measures.
“As a precautionary measure, the crew made a safe diversion to Benin after hearing a loud bang on the left engine during descent,” Ola said.
He confirmed that the aircraft landed safely at the Benin Airport and that all passengers and crew members were evacuated without incident.
“There were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked. Arrangements have been made to convey the affected passengers to their final destination,” he added.
The airline apologised for the disruption caused to passengers, reiterating that safety remains its top priority.
“We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and well-being of our passengers is always our priority at Arik Air,” the statement said.
Confirming the incident, the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, said the aircraft experienced an in-flight engine anomaly.
She explained that abnormal indications were observed on one of the engines, leading the flight crew to carry out a precautionary engine shutdown and divert to the nearest suitable airport, Benin, where the aircraft landed safely.
“In line with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to Benin. The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries were reported,” Oladeji said.
The NSIB disclosed that it had commenced a full investigation in accordance with its statutory mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13.
“Preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment,” the Bureau noted.
It added that a preliminary assessment team had been deployed to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and retrieve flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.
According to the Bureau, a preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report will be issued at the conclusion of the investigation.
