The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has reported that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL, registration 5N-MJF, operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt, experienced an in-flight engine issue on Wednesday but made a safe diversion to Benin Airport.
NSIB disclosed this in a statement from its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji.
The statement added that the flight crew detected abnormal readings on one of the engines while the aircraft was cruising.
According to the statement, following standard safety procedures, the crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport.
The Bureau confirmed that the aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported.
“Preliminary observations at Benin Airport suggest significant damage to the affected engine, based on an initial visual assessment. In line with its statutory mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13, the NSIB said it has commenced an investigation.
“The 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 statement said.
The Bureau said it is collaborating closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other relevant stakeholders to investigate the sequence of events and identify any contributing factors.
